Why was Japan determined to bring Asia and the Pacific Islands under its control?

Question

Refering to WW2

Answer 1

Before that, in the end of 19th century, almost all the nations in Asia and SEA were shattered from the colonialism of Western nations, except Japan. Japan advanced westernization at that moment and rose to one of the Great Powers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:China_imperialism_cartoon.jpg

It was an era of colonialism. Japan thought westernization and expansion was necessary to defend their independence and land. So, they continued to fight with western nations.

Answer 2

They really were imperialists. Not to mention with that much land under their control the Japanese would be very powerful from the resources bought in and they would pretty much control trade in the Pacific Ocean.

Answer 3

At the time, Japan was an agrarian economy and did not have enough land to support that kind of economy as their population was exploding. Thus they had imperialistic motives for spreading out and acquiring more land.

Chow!!

Answer 4

They were trying to gain control of natural resources. Japan is relatively resource poor, and is dependent on imports for fuel and raw materials.

Answer 5

To become the best among the rest of the nearby nations.

Answer 6

they wanted more. they set it up so they were justified by religion (as all aggressive populations do) and then they proceded to build and train to accomplish their goals. they did a lot but of all populations who follow that path, nobody really topped ghengis kahn, if you ask me. why they just kept riding and taking and raidingan raping is remarkable. why did they not finally all go home? they really didn't. it is mind boggling what made the man so greedy. he knew no limits. bring me more!

Answer 7

the gods told them that it was their destiny