During World War II, Imperial Japan militarily expanded its control across Asia and the Pacific, leading to the invasion and occupation of 15 distinct geopolitical entities that were not already under its direct rule prior to the war.
Japan's aggressive pursuit of a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" involved widespread military campaigns to secure vital resources and strategic locations. These campaigns resulted in the invasion of various nations and territories, including sovereign states, colonies, and mandates.
Entities Invaded by Japan in World War II
The following table details the specific entities that Imperial Japan invaded or took control of through military action during World War II:
| Entity Invaded | Status During WWII (Context) |
|---|---|
| China | Sovereign Nation (parts of) |
| Thailand | Sovereign Nation (occupied) |
| Vietnam | Part of French Indochina (French Colony) |
| Hong Kong | British Crown Colony |
| Cambodia | Part of French Indochina (French Colony) |
| Laos | Part of French Indochina (French Colony) |
| Philippines | U.S. Commonwealth / Territory |
| Malaysia | British Malaya (British Colony) |
| Indonesia | Dutch East Indies (Dutch Colony) |
| Singapore | British Crown Colony |
| Myanmar (Burma) | British Colony |
| New Guinea (parts of) | Australian & Dutch Territories |
| Guam | U.S. Territory |
| East Timor | Portuguese Territory |
| Nauru | Australian Mandate |
It is important to distinguish these invaded entities from territories that were already part of the Japanese Empire before WWII commenced. For instance, Korea had been annexed by Japan in 1910, and Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. Therefore, these regions were under Japanese administration and were not "invaded" during the war itself.
Japan's major military offensives during WWII escalated significantly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, leading to rapid conquests throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
