Do Japanese people today wish they won WWII?

 The general sentiment among Japanese people today does not reflect a desire for Japan to have won World War II. Modern Japanese society largely views the war and its aftermath with a sense of regret and reflection on the consequences. Key points include:

1. **Pacifism and Peace**: Post-war Japan adopted a pacifist constitution, specifically Article 9, which renounces war as a means to settle international disputes. This pacifist stance is a significant part of contemporary Japanese identity and politics.

2. **Historical Reflection**: There is a widespread acknowledgment of the suffering caused by the war, both to the Japanese people and to other nations. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in particular, have left a lasting impact on the national consciousness, fostering a strong anti-war sentiment.

3. **International Relations**: Modern Japan places a high value on maintaining peaceful and cooperative relationships with other countries, particularly its neighbors in East Asia. There is a general understanding that winning the war could have resulted in continued conflict and instability in the region.

4. **Economic and Social Development**: Post-war reconstruction led to Japan’s transformation into a global economic power. Many Japanese people appreciate the peace and stability that allowed for rapid economic development and improved quality of life, rather than longing for a different wartime outcome.

Overall, the focus in contemporary Japan is on peace, reconciliation, and moving forward, rather than on wishing for a different outcome to a conflict that caused immense suffering and loss.