Could it be that Midway was simply that lucky spell that started the whole tradition? I don't mean to be provocative or anything, it's a genuine question of mine. I've read many times about the Battle of Midway and how it could have easily gone the other way (there are even several YouTube videos that show the whole thing nicely animated from both sides with fog of war).
If Japan had prevailed in Midway, supposedly inflicting to the US an equally devastating tally: even if the USA would have eventually won the war out of sheer productive capabilities, the traditions would have probably be written much latter if at all.
Up until Midway both powers were equally fearsome. One could even argue that Japan had MORE experience given it had already won against a superior enemy in 1905 (Imperial Russia).
If Japan had prevailed in Midway, supposedly inflicting to the US an equally devastating tally: even if the USA would have eventually won the war out of sheer productive capabilities, the traditions would have probably be written much latter if at all.
Up until Midway both powers were equally fearsome. One could even argue that Japan had MORE experience given it had already won against a superior enemy in 1905 (Imperial Russia).