Why did Japan keep on attacking Asian countries and not the Soviet Union in World War II? -

So when Germany was attacking the Soviets, Japan focused on taking over the East Asian countries. The Germans constantly urged Japan to attack Soviets from the other side, but Japan continued to attack the East Asian countries. So why didn t Japan decide to attack the soviets?

There was actually a major border clash between the Japanese and the Soviets at a place called Khalin Gol (I may or may not be spelling that right) prior to the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The Japanese were soundly beaten by the Russians and this may have convinced them to give the Soviets a wide berth during the war.

The original Axis powers of WWII included Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia. Attacking Russia was Germany s idea not Japan s. By the time Germany attacked Russia, Japan already had it hands full fighting in China and the Pacific and were losing on both fronts.

Because Soviet general Giorgi Zhukov had smashed them at Khalin-Gol. They were too frightened to attack the USSR again.

The Soviet Union didn t have the nature resources they were seeking.They were seeking rubber and metal resources.And the countries they attacked gave little or no resistance to invasion.

Many Asian countries were under European rule eg. British and since many of their soldiers were in Europe fighting the Nazis, Japan took the chance to invade.

Not true that Japan was losing in Asia The Brits walked away from Asia We yanks,for the first year were getting are butts handed too us Mainly U S M C in Asia the American Army were in Europe watching the Brits win [as you put it]. Ho yes the Russians helped a little We were late,made money off of y all ,etc,etc I wish quot;one more time,and we stay homequot;