"Adopting Western ways was THEIR decision."

That doesn't contradict my argument in any way.  I'm discussing the impetus for that decision.  That would be like saying that invading Afghanistan was our decision.  Yes, but talking about that without the context of 9/11 doesn't make sense.  Similarly, talking about Imperial Japan does not make sense without the Opening of Japan.  

"We just wanted to trade, and open up new markets for our goods."

That's cute, I'll remember that next time foreign countries "just want to trade" their sugar in America without import tariffs and competing with American subsidies.  I guess they can just start bombing buildings to help encourage us to trade freely with them yes?  That's how it works?

We bombarded them and forced them at gunpoint to open their society to Western influence.  Once that happened, Imperial Japan happened.

As a nationalist, it's difficult for you to accept facts which contradict your beliefs, just like the kingdom folks.