Question

Why was Japan so interested in controlling the islands in the Pacific Ocean?

Answer 1

Japan was in dire need of oil and other goods. The small land mass of their islands was not able to produce the supplies they needed to keep their war efforts alive. They wanted to take control of the lands they needed to produce these goods.

Answer 2

Answer:

Japan's ambitions to expand were due to ultra-nationalism and resource grabbing

Explanation:

Japan needed major natural resources if it wanted to continue its Empire. The need to control islands in the Pacific was due to her ambitions of unifying Asia under one rule. The justification for this was to root out all European Powers in Asia because, "Asia should be ruled by Asians."