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The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was an attempt by Japan to create a bloc of Asian nations free of influence from Western nations. It is remembered today largely as a front for the Japanese control of occupied countries during World War II, in which puppet governments manipulated local populations and economies for the benefit of wartime Japan.
The idea of the Co-Prosperity Sphere was announced by Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe in August 1940, but went back many years. Leaders in Japan - then, as now, the richest country in the region - had long been interested in the idea, partly to extend Japanese power and partly to free Asia from being colonies of European countries.
As part of its war drive, Japanese leaders spoke of "Asia for Asians" and the need to liberate Asian countries from imperialist powers. In some cases they were welcomed when they invaded neighboring countries, driving out the British and French armies. In general, however, the subsequent brutality and the hardship of war led to the Japanese being regarded as little different from Western occupiers. The Co-Prosperity Sphere collapsed with Japan's defeat.
See also: Imperialism in Asia
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