The Japanese said they were attacked but it was a ruse to invade
China was weakened by foreign influence. Manchuria is rich in Natural Resources, which Japan desperately needed for its rapid industrial development. Among many other reasons, Japan saw this as a chance to seize power in the region.
To give Japan an excuse to seize Manchuria from China
In 1931, Japan seized the region of Manchuria in northeastern China. This act marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the expansion of Japanese aggression in East Asia.
Japan seized manchuria on 1931 September 18th
Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 .
In 1931, Japan invaded and occupied Manchuria.
See: Asia Times (March 30, 2002); Japan's Bank Crisis, by Richard Hanson.
Japan invaded Manchuria in the 1930's.
The Japanese took over Manchuria in 1932. This was an attempt by Japan to have control over some of the land that belonged to the Chinese.
Manchuria, previously under Chinese control 1931-32. Then northern China starting in 1933, and Japan tried to seize the rest of China starting in 1937.
Japan