Japan and her former colonies form a large, if loose, union covering large areas of the world. The growth of the Empire began as they expanded Northward to Siberia and then westward until colliding with the Russians, and across the Bering Straits into Aresuka, and down the Pacific coast. They also expanded into Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and into Australia (Xinnoranda). Today, most Japanese colonies retain at least a nominal connection to Japan proper.