The Japanese Empire began its expansionist policies in the late 19th century, with the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).

Japan defeated China in the First Sino-Japanese War, gaining control over Taiwan and the Pescadores Islands.

Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War led to the acquisition of Manchuria and southern Sakhalin, establishing Japan as a major power in East Asia.

Japan annexed Korea in 1910, establishing a colonial rule that lasted until the end of World War II.

Manchukuo was the Japanese puppet state established in Manchuria in 1932, with Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, as its nominal ruler.

Japan invaded China in 1937, marking the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War, which lasted until the end of World War II.

Operation Southern was the Japanese military campaign to conquer Southeast Asia during World War II, aiming to secure access to natural resources and expand the Japanese empire.

The United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

Emperor Hirohito was the Japanese emperor during World War II, reigning from 1926 to 1989.

Tokyo was the capital of the Japanese Empire from 1868 until its dissolution in 1945.

The Kempeitai was the Japanese military police during World War II, responsible for maintaining order and security within the Japanese Empire and occupied territories.

Vietnam was the last country to be occupied by the Japanese Empire during World War II, with the Japanese forces surrendering in September 1945.

Isoroku Yamamoto was the Japanese admiral who planned and led the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The United States was the first country to recognize the independence of the Republic of China from the Japanese Empire, doing so in 1943.

Shigeru Yoshida was the Japanese prime minister who signed the surrender document, ending World War II, on September 2, 1945.