When did the Japanese occupy China?

The Japanese occupation of China primarily occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which lasted from 1937 to 1945. This conflict began with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in July 1937 and led to widespread Japanese aggression, including the infamous Nanjing Massacre. Although Japan had previously occupied parts of China, such as Manchuria in 1931, the full-scale invasion in 1937 marked a significant escalation in hostilities. The occupation ended with Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945.