Attacking US w/Jpn looks great on paper, but in real time and turns, stalls the taking of Rus. With every passing turn, the Allied economic advantage will make them stronger in arms.
So true. Attacking the US (except for China & Sinkiang) is a BAD move.
Japan is the nation that can turn the economic tide in favor of the Axis in short order. By focusing on a steady assault on Russia using a Japan transport fleet (using a fleet instead of an IC is faster, more flexible, and helps keep the US “honest” since those forces can reach AK in a single move) combined with a modest roving south pacific/indian ocean fleet, Japan can quickly be the leading IPC nation in the game. In games I have played, it is not unusual for Japan to be in the 40’s for IPC’s by the end of round 2.
A Japan with more IPC’s than the US (down to 32 at most), with UK weakened (low 20’s or teens depending on Germany in Africa) and Russia in the teens or less after losing the eastern territories, the economic winds favor the Axis.
Then it only is a matter of Japan playing smart 9since they have most of the IPC’s) to crush Russia, saving the Germans, and then turning on the US while bombing the tar out of UK…