A few, probably fictitious, quotes from Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto:
And a couple of real quotes and nice reference from Wiki (going from memory too, so going to trust this):
Tom, I understand the economic reasons Japan did it. I am curious as to your take as to why they forged ahead when it seemed their best and brightest had determined it was unlikely they could win. I realize that many thought a naval victory would suffice, but were they really that short sighted? I have read a lot of naval history, but the idea that Japan thought they could win on a morale basis alone seems ludicrous. FDR was looking for an excuse and was provided one. Wonder if Connor thinks FDR let it happen...