Say Again? Japan fought the Pacific Campaign alone

 

Screenshot from a World War 2 lecture, National Museum, Singapore 2022

One of the common misconceptions was that Japan fought the Allies alone during World War 2. While Japan did the bulk of the fighting for the Axis, we must note that there were factions which aligned themselves with the Imperial Japanese.

[Note that this is not a condemnation of the people involved, but rather a historical report. World War 2 was one of the most chaotic experiences in history, and many regrettable decisions were made.]

Thailand
While Thailand was neutral at the start of the war, they capitulated to Imperial Japan within hours after the Japanese invaded on 8 December 1941. The Thai government under Plaek Phibunsongkhram (aka Phibun) was enthusiastic in their collaboration as they saw opportunities to expand their borders.

Not only did Thailand provide the Japanese as a base to attack China, India and Southeast Asia, the Phiun administration provided more than 100, 000 soldiers for during such campaigns.

Indian National Army (INA)
To cause disruption in the British allies, the Japanese sowed dissent among the Indians, and sponsored the formation of the Indian National Army.

Drawing in mainly dissidents from Indians deployed in Malaya and Singapore, the INA leveraged on the anti-British sentiments among the Free India movement. It is estimated that they garnered 43, 000 soldiers for the Japanese. 

Indian National Army undergoing a parade inspection

Burma Independence Army (BIA)

Similar to the Indians, the Japanese played on anti-British sentiments among the Burmese to sponsor the formation of the Burma Independence Army. 

As Japanese expanded into Burma, their numbers swelled to be as big as 23, 000. However, the BIA was dissatisfied with Japanese control, and defected to the Allies in 1944 (after a secret meeting with the British).

Reorganised National Government and other Chinese collaborators

In Japan-occupied China, the Japanese managed to work with collaborations to form a puppet government. It was known as the Reorganised National Government of the Republic of China. It was run by Wang Jingwei, a former China Nationalists who defected to Imperial Japan. It is estimated that the Imperial Japanese leveraged 500, 000 men from Wang Jingwei.

This number also included men from some of the Japanese-aligned Chinese warlords, who tended be located around North China.

Manchukuo
The puppet state of Manchukuo (located in Manchuria) was under the command of the last Emperor of China, Puyi. As a puppet regime, they were obliged to contribute to the Japanese war effort. It is estimated that they contributed about 200, 000 to the Japanese effort.

Propaganda poster on Manchukuo

Germany and Italy
As mentioned before, Germany and Italy had limited participation in the Pacific war. Their involvement was a little more of exchange of sensitive information and raiding parties.