From 1914-1918 Japan joined Great Britain, France and Russia in the war against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. By opposing German naval forces in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans and seizing German colonies in China, the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands, Japan gained further recognition as a world power. Additionally, by exporting necessary war materiel for its European allies, Japan diversified its industry and boosted its economy.
Japanese seaplane carrier Wakamiya; Wiki Media Commons