What were Japan’s primary goals in expanding its territory in East Asia?

Japan's primary goals in expanding its territory in East Asia were to secure resources, establish regional dominance, and spread its cultural influence.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan was rapidly industrialising and modernising, following the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This transformation required vast amounts of resources, particularly raw materials such as iron, coal, and oil, which were scarce in Japan. Therefore, one of the main reasons for Japan's territorial expansion in East Asia was to secure these resources. For instance, the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 provided Japan with access to the region's rich iron and coal deposits.

Another significant goal was to establish regional dominance. Japan was the first Asian nation to industrialise and modernise, and it sought to assert its newfound power and status by expanding its influence over its neighbours. This was partly driven by a desire to resist Western imperialism and create an Asia led by Asians. The establishment of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere in 1940 was a manifestation of this ambition, as it aimed to create a bloc of Asian nations led by Japan and free from Western influence.

Lastly, Japan sought to spread its cultural influence throughout East Asia. This was part of a broader effort to foster a sense of Japanese superiority and justify its imperial ambitions. The Japanese government promoted the idea of a unique and superior Japanese culture, which it sought to disseminate through its colonies. This was evident in policies such as the promotion of the Japanese language and the Shinto religion in occupied territories.

In conclusion, Japan's territorial expansion in East Asia was driven by a combination of economic, political, and cultural factors. These included the need to secure resources for its industrialisation, the desire to establish regional dominance, and the ambition to spread its cultural influence.