The Japanese Colonial Empire refers to the territories that were controlled by Japan from the late 19th century until the end of World War II. This expansion began with the annexation of Taiwan in 1895 and continued with the occupation of Korea in 1910. Japan sought to establish itself as a major world power, leading to the acquisition of various territories in the Pacific and parts of China, including Manchuria. During its colonial rule, Japan implemented policies aimed at assimilating local populations and exploiting resources. The empire expanded significantly during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. However, the empire collapsed after Japan's defeat in 1945, leading to the loss of its colonies and a significant shift in regional power dynamics.