During World War II, why did Japan controlled Southeast Asia?

Answer 1

The Japanese wanted South East Asia for several reasons. One, to have access to the Indonesian Oil fields. Two, to have access to the rubber plantations that were controlled by the French for many years. Three, the Japanese needed to control South East Asia because of its strategic position regarding Australia and India's links with the allies. Four, many of the raw materials were in South East Asia and Indonesia (Bauxite, Tin etc.) And, South East Asia was vital for the continued occupational control of the Philippines

Answer 2

Japan was expanding the territory under the Empire of Japan as early as 1895. The Japanese wanted to prevent Japan from falling under Western control, and wanted to compete with the West equally. They began long before World War II.

Answer 3

The Japanese pushed the British, French, Dutch and Americans out of the territory they were holding in the pacific ocean and southeast Asia the gain access to raw materials.
Japan has a lack of raw materials available to them on their home islands.

Answer 4

They invaded to acquire resources, particularly oil and rubber. The Japanese military had been building for some time, so was strong enough to take over most of southeast Asia before the Guadalcanal battle turned the tide.

Answer 5

japan has no raw materials.
no rubber.
no oil.
no tin etc
its plentiful in se asia.
today all material for manufacturing must be imported