Why did Japan start a war with America?

In 1937, Japan invaded China, like it had done several times during its history. The two were ancient enemies. The United States attempted to force Japan to leave China by slapping Japan with a crippling Oil Embargo. No one was allowed to sell Oil to Japan. No oil means no Navy, no Army, and no Airforce. Which means Japan would lose in China. Japan needed its own oil supply, and the only place to get it at the time was in the Dutch East Indies (present day Philippines area). The only thing in the way was the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbour. So they attacked it. The rest I assume you know.

The embargo on oil was only the beginning, when Japan refused to cease their imperialistic actions they were also slapped with an embargo on iron, rubber, and other resources. Which caused them to go further with their actions, especially with resource rich China.