With Japan’s starting forces and with losing the Kwang TRN on UK1, 2 TRN’s are basically REQUIRED for Japan to be effective, which means the single IC purchase waits for J2 (unless you have a bid).
The reason for this is simple… you build the two IC’s in J1. OK. 2 IC’s, no combat units built, and only 2 units moved from Japan to Asia. J2, you get to build at both of those IC’s, 3 units each, and you TRN 2 more unis from Japan. Net after 2 turns: 10 units in Asia.
Let’s go with the 1 IPC to Japan bid and look at 2 TRN and 1 IC…
J1, you build the IC and 2 TRN, landing 2 units to Asia.
J2, you build 3 units at your new IC, and TRN 6 units to Asia with your 3 TRN. 11 units to Asia, an extra 10%.
But there is a further advantage.
To get those 6 units BUILT in Asia, you have to both buy the IC and the units themsevles. Going with all INF, to get those 10 units to Asia by the end of J2, you have to spend 48 IPC’s, and have emptied Japan.
If you do the 1 IC and 2 TRN, you can raid units from Oki, Wake, and Phillipines, plus your starting 4 INF from Japan, and the 3 units you build at your new IC. You spend 45 IPC’s to get 11 units to Asia.
10% MORE units for 7% LESS money.
That is a major advantage in the first 2 rounds of the game…