Just about every country in the game is hard-up for resources within a week of starting the game. As for a strategy for Japan, buy as much oil as you can right off the bat, about 300 billion barrels should do. Then, start an aggressive construction program. Build facilities of all types. I find it extremely benificial to replace Japan's Petrol power stations with Coal power stations. It takes time, but it is well worth it as 1 coal power produces the same elec as 2 petrol power. As you scrap the petrol powers, the recycled industry goods helps to fuel the construction. I am able to get Japan self-sufficient in all products in about 2 years (I have the resouces option set to abundant though). I always lock out minister control from poduction and set all goods except for industry and military to 102% of demand. This reduces the strain on the oil supply enough to make it last until the petrol powers are scrapped.