How and why did japan join world war 2?

Japan joined World War II primarily due to its expansionist ambitions in Asia and the Pacific. In the 1930s, Japan sought to secure resources and territory, leading to its invasion of China and subsequent conflicts with Western powers. Tensions escalated after the U.S. imposed economic sanctions and trade restrictions, particularly on oil, prompting Japan to attack Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This surprise attack aimed to incapacitate the U.S. Pacific Fleet and secure Japan's dominance in the region, ultimately drawing the country into the global conflict.