I read one TL where the Entente loses WW1 and the Japanese (as is traditional) grab much of the French colonial empire, including Madagascar as well as the usual Indochina. Rather far-fetched, though.
I know this does not fall under the POD, but I recall hearing that Japan considered demanding Madagascar from Vichy france in addition to french indo china
oh, I must of misread the OPThe OP made no limit on the POD besides that it had to be after 1775, so your idea would be valid.
actually a Japanese-colonized Africa would be very interesting.
Japanese Congo would be interesting an extension of the "Congo can be anybody's" AH Cliche.
However, the only way into the Cliche Congo is through that tiny area north of Angola. So to get there, Japan would have to sail ALL the way around South Africa, which isn't going to be easy.
Well, it doesn't have to be in the WWII era. Let's say *Meiji restoration happens in 1820s or 30s, and Japan can join in the scramble for Africa.