How to conquer the world

During the 1940s Japan conquered its Asian neighbors to fuel its desire to become an imperialist power. Even the casual students of world history know the end result of that. Japan was nuked. The country suffered under horrid conditions until it managed to recover 20 years later. Then in another 20 years it was set to conquer the world again via finance. Again people feared the loss of property and assets to a foreign power. Then its economy unraveled thanks to unconventional banking practices, collapsing asset prices and the Asian Crisis.

Despite all this Japan still managed to conquer the  world. Back in the 90s anime started landing on foreign shores. This cultural export captured the imagination of many people. There were others, technological marvels that they shared with the rest of the world. Interest in Japanese culture increased. Subsequent sympathy for Japan increased as well. Now when disaster strikes, people band together to help Japan. Even those it warred against. What they couldn't get by taking they got by giving. 

For aspiring conquerors, it's an easy lesson. Transmit culture. Give away part of your identity. Be inclusive because that builds sympathy and rapport. There is nothing more binding than a shared identity. Or to be more flippant: make anime not war.