The Japanese conquest of Burma began with a well-coordinated military offensive, leveraging Japan's formidable air and ground forces. This invasion was primarily motivated by the need to secure strategic positions and supply routes to support Japanese interests in the wider Southeast Asian theater. Burma was seen as critical not only for its resources, including oil and rubber, but also as a gateway for further expansion into British India. The campaign commenced under the command of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, who led the Japanese 15th Army in a meticulous effort to outmaneuver the British and other Allies through both land and aerial assaults.

As Japanese troops crossed into Burma from Thailand, they faced the British and Indian forces, who were largely unprepared for the speed and ferocity of the attack. The initial phase of the invasion featured intense battles in key locations such as the town of Moulmein, where Japanese forces quickly secured great tactical advantages. Aerial superiority allowed the Japanese to conduct surprise attacks and reinforce ground troops rapidly, leading to a chain of victories that demoralized Allied forces. By capturing strategic towns and disrupting communication, the Japanese aimed to cripple British-held Burma.

Over the following months, Japanese forces continued their advance deeper into the territory. The swift success they achieved in capturing key cities demonstrated the effectiveness of their tactics and the serious threat posed to Allied positions in the region. The invasion not only disrupted the immediate military situation but also had lasting implications for the inhabitants of Burma, altering the political landscape and leading to significant changes in colonial rule and military alliances within Southeast Asia.