History Discussion: WWII Pacific War Strategy: Allied and Japanese Perspectives

The war against Japan was fought over a vast area that included the Pacific Ocean and islands, the SW Pacific, SE Asia, and China/ Burma/ India and culminated in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. How did Japan view their goals at the beginning of the war and how did they assess their enemy and their chances of winning throughout the war?

Focusing on the Pacific War, we'll discuss the strategic thinking on both sides and how the Allies defeated Japan in WW II
Our discussion will be based on the following 2 brief articles on the Pacific War strategy from the perspectives of the Allies and Japan:
The Pacific Strategy, 1941-1944
World War II: Japanese Strategic Concepts (1939-45)

Optional longer article for those interested in a more detailed summary of the Pacific War:
The Pacific War