日本帝国 (Japanese Empire) refers to the historical period when Japan expanded its territory and influence, particularly from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. This era began with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, which transformed Japan into a modern industrial nation. The empire included territories such as Korea, Taiwan, and parts of China and Southeast Asia. During World War II, the 日本帝国 sought to establish dominance in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to significant military conflicts. The empire ultimately collapsed after Japan's defeat in 1945, resulting in the loss of its territories and a shift towards a pacifist constitution in post-war Japan.