This AAR made me want to play Japan again!
I choice the New Grand Campaign mod because I like Taisho Tenno, or emperor Yoshihito. He was vastly underestimated even from the Japanese, so I want to give him a vast great empire.
I conquered China in 1916.
Using manipulating world opinion against China, I could DoW on them early.
In 20 years peace time, I just made many ICs.
When the German launched the Barbarossa, I used your strategy, that back stab the Soviets from east. This time, the AI Germany was not good progress, so I conquered all Siberia and meet the Germans at Stalingrad.
In 1942 whole busy to conquering Siberia, the USA DoW on the empire. I immediately allied the German, and invaded Burma and Malay.
IN 1945, after conquered Australasia and India, the Japanese 70 divisions (the one third were tanks) landing on the west coast. The US army was about 50 divisions according to the intelligence, perhaps they lost many in the west Africa campaign.
After put the rising sun banner on the White House, reminded US army was just 7 divisions.
I made one nuclear bomb, but never have opportunity to use it.
Playing as Japan is always a lot of fun and challenge!