I think the sole reason for your current economical advantage (because that's what you got, not army or navy-wise) is that you managed to stay at peace for long enough in the beginning to secure 6 refineries. They gave you a headstart in trade tech and until last session you've been uncontested on the trade scene. Now there are two trading powers, and soon more will join. You won't be able to monopolize as easily in Europe anymore.
Also, annexing Japan was an interesting move. We'll see if it pays out for you or if it'll become a burden...
Btw, I would also like to comment on my Mighty fort in Oberpfaltz. I got an event that took a small amount of cash, -1 offensive and gave me about 8-10 forts. Oberpfaltz was chosen several times by the random number generator, so it became Mighty. The -1 offensive did matter though, as Bremen had a much easier start of the war due to me not having the +1 shock edge.