what was one reason Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931?

Question

Western imperial powers in China were threatening to invade Japan.
Japanese militarists hope to build an empire to rival western colony on empires.
Japan wanted to avenge its defeat by China in the first Sino Japanese war.
The axis powers had agreed to divide up most of Europe and Asia.

Answer 1

Japanese militarists hope to build an empire to rival western colony on empires.