Still feel that of all the suggested changes requiring Japan to keep a border garrisson of x (land) units on the Russian border is the easiest solution of all, although it might not be the most exciting one as far as game play is concerned.
However, I do feel it’s one Larry ought to try out and consider. I would say that AT THE END of the Japanese turn all Japanese held border territories with the USSR should contain at least 9 IPCs worth of land units (tanks, infantry, mechanized infantry or artillery). If you leave out this restriction of those units having to be land units, Japan could easily land one plane there all the time to fulfil the requirement. I guess that’s not the idea. Leaving land units there will doubtlessly ease the pressure on China.