Why did Japan choose to attack Asia-Pacific ?
Natural Resources
Japan has little natural resources as the entire country is mainly formed by volcanoes. So in order to fund her economy and expand as an empire, the only way is to attack Asia-Pacific, as Asia-Pacific is extremely rich in natural resources, such as oil, rubber, iron.
Geographical location
Japan had imperial ambitions, their geographical location gave them a very huge advantage to attack. Hence the empire, who desperately needs natural resources decided to exploit their geographical location and attack.
Unfair treatment
The Japanese fought with the Allies in World War 1. They expected to get Germany's pacific colonies/territories during the Treaty of Versailles conference, however Western powers treated Japanese as 2nd class citizens and ignored their request. This angered the Japanese as they felt that they are unfairly treated. Hence, they felt that's it's all their rights to conquer Asia-Pacific as they should be the rightful owner.
Influence by Germany & Italy
Japan joined Germany & Italy and formed an alliance called Axis.
Japan saw what Germany & Italy was planing to do. Japan also believed they would be able to conquer and do what Germany was doing to the European countries. Hence they invaded Asia-Pacific, just like them invading Europe.
Japan saw what Germany & Italy was planing to do. Japan also believed they would be able to conquer and do what Germany was doing to the European countries. Hence they invaded Asia-Pacific, just like them invading Europe.
Bad relations between Japan and USA
Relations between the US and Japan had been strained for several years as a result of Japan's war of expansion in China. As a result of the breakdown in negotiations between the two countries, the US declared an embargo on exports to Japan including vital raw materials such as metals and oil. Japan had less than a six month supply of fuel oil left and saw the embargo as a direct threat to her economy, the war effort and her survival as a nation, which, in fact it was. Japan realized her only hope was to seize the oil fields to the south. Japan knew this meant war with Britain and the US. The Japanese Navy felt the only hope of success in such a war was to deliver a knockout blow to the US Navy. Japan launched the attack on Pearl Harbor to destroy the US fleet, particularly the US Carriers to allow her time to advance in the South Pacific and protect her source of raw materials.