For review... the four basic principles behind any sound "Kill Japan First" strategy (KJF) are as follows: Push Japan off the Asian mainland; cut Japan's cash flow; destroy the imperial navy; and offer only token resistance to Germany. Therefore, the Axis must work together to exploit the Allies' four objectives. Now it's Japan's turn.

The Assessment

Have the Allies brought it all in round one or is there more to come? If it appears the Russians and the Brits have not positioned themselves for further assault upon Japan, then your opening Japan moves should proceed almost as normal. On the other hand, if the UK bought an IC in India and Russia skipped an attack on Germany (see Germany's response) to move all of her tanks into Asia, you must proceed with extra caution.

The India IC

Unbelievable! The British bought an IC in India and abandoned it to attack Kwantung! Don't they realize it can be taken with just 1 infantry from Burma? Consider this. If the Americans or the Russians can recapture it before the next UK turn, your effort is in vain. If Russia is not in a position to take India, then you may want to consider moving your four available infantry (2 from Burma, 2 from the Philippines) into India to hold it through the American turn. Also, any Nazi fighters close enough may land there during the next German turn. The next round will be Japan's for delivering units right where they need it most!

First Round Japanese ICs

This could be high risk. The only place available for an IC would be Burma. The big question again, "What do the Allies have available for the next round?" If China and Sinkiang go unmolested then the Americans have 4 infantry and 1 fighter right in Asia that can plow right through Burma. However, if you skip all land battles in round 1 you could have up to 6 infantry, 4 fighters and a bomber in Burma. Not bad for starts. But what about round 2? Can Russia bring more units? Can the British? This might be a better option for the second round.

Lone Transports

Don't forget about the vulnerability of transports. If everything went right for the Allies, they will have 1 fighter from each nationality in China (3 total). Lone transports on the coastline are very tempting ducks for Allied airmen.

To Pearl or Not To Pearl

One very strong motivation for hitting Hawaii is to kill the American fighter on the U.S. Carrier. This fighter can land in Sinkiang or Yakut with or without assaulting Manchuria or the Japan sea zone. One more fighter to protect potential America ICs in Japan is not good.

Dividing your forces won't be easy with so much to do.

Some players lean towards sending minimal forces against Hawaii and consolidating the rest to pound the mainland and to defend the coastline. You can do pretty good damage to Hawaii with 1 sub, 2 fighters, 1 bomber and maybe a BB. Don't risk the AC, unless you send everything! It will be way to valuable in defending the Japan sea zone with 2 fighters on board in the rounds to come.

Other A&Aers prefer sending it all to Hawaii and even going for the island. This could include: 1 sub, 1 fighter, the AC, and 1 or 2 battleships against the American navy along with 1 transport, 2 infantry and 1 fighter against the lone infantry on the island. This limits the U.S. ability to counterattack -- if the island falls, the U.S. will have no place land the fighter from E.US. This also positions Japan to strike the W.US sz, Australia or simply return back to home waters.

Manchuria and Kwantung

Retaking Manchuria is a pretty high priority, balanced against a potential IC in Burma or taking and holding a British IC in India. However, holding Manchuria should not be considered vital just after the first round. When Japan 2 comes around, Manchuria should be the most vulnerable mainland country. With the potential of 6 infantry, 1 armor, 4 fighters, 1 bomber and 2 BBs available for counterstrike, the Allies will not be able to resist this level of attack. In fact, round 2 may be the round to buy the IC for Manchuria.

Kwantung is also important and it faces less opposition than Burma. Using the forces the from Burma, a Kwantung battle should go in your favor. This temporarily adds $3 back to your side of the ipc chart. This is a tough call. Keeping troops in Burma allows you to fortify it with more fighters -- Zeroes and even Messerschmitts from the Ukraine.

First Round Buy

As stated earlier, the IC is probably out of the question. Therefore, if you have a capital ship in the Japan sea zone, buying 2 transports and 3 infantry would be at the top of my list. The transports are valuable for two reasons. One, we need to get infantry to mainland pronto and two they will provide some additional naval defense should the Yanks come calling.

Past the First Round

If the Allies keep coming, then the Germans should keep coming! The Luftwaffe can provide defense in Asia just as it can in Europe. German troops should be sending a consistent flow of troops through Syria into Asia. And the panzers had better be knocking on Stalin's door. When Moscow falls to the Germans it takes the wind of the Allied sails -- more so usually, then when it falls to the Japanese.

The Japanese must weigh carefully the choices for every turn. They should be watchful of Allied build ups both at land and sea. Don't overlook opportunity and cheap methods to slow the Allies down. For example, a well positioned sub between your navy and the American navy can buy an extra turn of defense for your main fleet. Also, use your two BBs to assault mainland forces even if you cannot take the territory. Strategic bombing runs against Allied ICs is definitely and option.

Operation Asian Sea Lion

Being on an island is a two edged sword. It makes it difficult to launch an offensive without transports, but it also makes it difficult for the Allies to capture your capital without transports. If everything has gone wrong pile up the infantry and fighters in Japan and hope the Germans come to the rescue.