That’s great about the red Japanese Army ! They are pretty cool. Just keep in mind all those modifications were after " many games in the books " and two equally experienced players.
I am still on the “journey” though I have played many times. I am currently playing around with a No Japan Victory when India falls. It just seemed like the USN was just getting itself in a position to challenge the IJN when it was "all over ". I like the idea of fighting for the islands, naval, and airbases……it is what the Pacific War was all about. Have fun!