Japan was left with only one option. They would need to occupy and colonise these areas. And in case America decided to attack them, they would need to be silenced first. Japan knew that America’s strength was much more than theirs. In case of a drawn-out war, Japan knew they would lose. But if they stealthily attack the military bases in America, to destroy their fighter jets and vessels, they believed that America would not be able to attack them anymore.
With this thought, on 7th December 1941, Japan conducted a surprise attack on US’s Pearl Harbour Bay. More than 350 aircraft of the Japanese Navy, attacked and bombed the harbour and within 2 hours, 19 US Navy Ships, 188 military aircraft, and more than 2,000 US Military personnel were killed. Within hours, Japan went ahead and captured the Philippines.
But realistically speaking, this was a reckless step by Japan. Attacking someone first so that they won’t attack you, and then capturing their territory. And thinking that you’re safe because they had said that they wouldn’t interfere in the war. But obviously, if you capture the territory of a country like the USA, and attack their military base, you can’t actually expect them to remain inactive. Predictably, in response, America declared that they too would take part in the war. America declared war against Japan.
