Japanese history

The modern nation (and empire) building takes a lot of work. What are the key components of such a project
and what kinds of hurdles need to be overcome in order to be successful?
In terms of international engagements, the story of modern Japan up to the end of WWI is a lot about turning away from China and the embracing of Europe. Why? How does this turn manifest itself during the
the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?
Japan’s modern nation-building was a very gendered process. How so?