What countries did Japan want to control?

- China: Japan began its invasion of China in 1937, which led to the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japan aimed to control China's vast resources and make it a puppet state.

- Manchuria: Japan already had a strong influence over Manchuria, a region in northeast China, before World War II. Japan wanted to consolidate its control over Manchuria and exploit its natural resources.

- Korea: Korea was under Japanese colonial rule since 1910, and Japan aimed to maintain and strengthen its hold over the Korean Peninsula.

- Southeast Asia: Japan sought to expand its influence and control over Southeast Asian countries such as Burma (Myanmar), Malaya (Malaysia), Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These regions were rich in natural resources like oil, rubber, and tin, which were essential for Japan's war efforts.

- Pacific Islands: Japan wanted to gain control over strategic islands in the Pacific Ocean, including Guam, Wake Island, and the Solomon Islands. These islands provided vital locations for military bases and could serve as stepping stones for further expansion in the Pacific.