What was the primary purpose of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?

The primary purpose of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was to cripple the American fleet. This strategic assault aimed to significantly weaken the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet, which Japan perceived as a major impediment to its expansionist ambitions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. By delivering a surprise attack that targeted key ships and aircraft, Japan sought to eliminate immediate American naval power and secure a tactical advantage in the region.

While securing territorial expansion and establishing air superiority were objectives aligned with Japan’s overall military strategy, the direct aim of the Pearl Harbor attack was focused on incapacitating the American forces stationed there. This would allow Japan to proceed with its plans for expansion without the immediate threat posed by the US Navy’s capabilities in the Pacific. The option concerning distraction from attacks elsewhere doesn’t accurately convey the primary focus of Pearl Harbor, as the attack was specifically designed to deal a decisive blow to US naval strength rather than to divert attention away from other engagements.