Legendary Foundation of Japan
According to Japanese mythology, the nation was founded in 660 BC by Emperor Jimmu, marking the beginning of Japan's historical narrative and its expansionist ethos rooted in divine ancestry.
660 BC
1185 AD
The Rise of the Kamakura Shogunate
The establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate in 1185 marked the beginning of feudal Japan, leading to regional expansion as samurai clans vied for power and territory across the archipelago.
1543 AD
Introduction of Firearms and European Influence
The arrival of Portuguese traders in 1543 introduced firearms to Japan, which significantly impacted military strategies and facilitated the expansion of power among feudal lords during the Sengoku period.
1603 AD
Tokugawa Shogunate and Isolationism
The Tokugawa Shogunate established in 1603 initiated a long period of peace and isolation, limiting Japanese expansion abroad but allowing for internal consolidation and cultural development.
1853 AD
Commodore Perry's Expedition
Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in Japan in 1853 forced the country to open its ports to the West, marking the end of isolation and the beginning of Japan's modern expansionist ambitions.
1868 AD
Meiji Restoration and Modernization
The Meiji Restoration in 1868 initiated rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan, setting the stage for its expansionist policies in Asia and the Pacific.
1895 AD
First Sino-Japanese War
The First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) resulted in Japan's victory over China, leading to territorial gains in Taiwan and asserting Japan's status as a formidable power in East Asia, a significant step in Japanese expansion.
1904 AD
Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) showcased Japan's military prowess, leading to victories that expanded its influence in Korea and parts of Manchuria, solidifying its position as an imperial power.
1910 AD
Annexation of Korea
In 1910, Japan formally annexed Korea, marking a significant expansion of its territory and the beginning of a harsh colonial rule that lasted until the end of World War II.
1931 AD
Invasion of Manchuria
In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo, which represented a significant act of Japanese expansion into mainland Asia during the interwar period.
1937 AD
Second Sino-Japanese War Begins
The Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937, leading to widespread Japanese territorial expansion across China and significant atrocities, marking a dark chapter in the history of Japanese expansion.
1941 AD
Attack on Pearl Harbor and Pacific War
The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 marked the beginning of Japan's aggressive expansion across the Pacific, leading to the occupation of numerous territories during World War II.
1945 AD
End of World War II and Loss of Territories
The defeat of Japan in World War II in 1945 resulted in the loss of its imperial territories and marked a significant reversal of Japanese expansion, leading to a period of reconstruction and pacifism.
1952 AD
Treaty of San Francisco and Sovereignty Restored
The Treaty of San Francisco in 1952 restored Japan's sovereignty, allowing it to re-enter the international community, albeit with a focus on economic expansion rather than territorial ambitions.
2000s AD
Economic Expansion and Global Influence
In the 2000s, Japan focused on economic expansion through technological innovation and global trade, becoming a key player in the global economy while moving away from military expansion.
