China saw the most devastation at the hands of Japan during World War 2. The conflict spanned nearly fifteen years, starting with the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japan intensified their attacks in the Chinese homeland, occupying major cities and committing numerous acts of atrocities against the Chinese civilian population. The total death toll of Chinese people during the conflict is estimated to be around 20 million, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
Southeast Asian Countries
Several countries in Southeast Asia also suffered significant devastation as Japan expanded their territory in the region. Japan occupied Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, among others. These occupations resulted in widespread death and destruction, as well as the exploitation of natural resources and forced labor.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand were also impacted by Japan's advance in the region. Japan launched air raids on both countries and attempted to invade Australia, but was unsuccessful due to the combined efforts of the Allied forces.
The United States
Although Japan did not directly occupy any U.S. territory during World War 2, it was profoundly affected by the war. The U.S. suffered devastating losses at the Battle of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, which precipitated America's entry into the conflict. The U.S. subsequently engaged in a series of battles against Japan in the Pacific, culminating in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.