The Japanese perceive European powers as being in the prime of their colonial addiction, enjoying the benefits while ignoring the inevitable decline. They observe the French in modern-day Vietnam, experiencing a traditional colonial trade-off where the Vietnamese serve them in restaurants, while the French introduce their culture.
The Asia-Pacific War of 1937-1945 has deep roots. It also involves a Japanese society that's been called one of the most distinctive on Earth. If there were a Japanese version of Captain America, this would be his origin story.