@Sgt.:
In AAP40 my one game as Japan resulted in a pretty easy win due to going all out on J1. But in Global you have to consider the USA getting that massive IPC boost if you attack UK/ANZAC. I find the best strategy is to focus on taking China and killing any Russian INF that get too close. Dare the UK to attack you early, if they do you get a free shot at the DEI.
That wont work as easily with alpha set up… J1 attack in Alpha is usually a bad idea if the allies know what they are doing.