Why was Japan so cruel during World War 2?

Now there are many great answers here about why the Japanese were so cruel during WWII that examine the culture, link it to the Bushido code, and discuss the superiority complex they held. I recommend reading all of them (especially Jakub Handlíř 's). read more

The Japanese did not sign the Geneva Convention on the rules of warfare. The Germans did - and at least tried to keep to them. The Japanese did not - they had not accepted them at all. And, it was part of Japanese culture to never surrender. "Face," or one's standing in the community was very important. read more