So there's no problem unless I created one. Thank you for the tip!

Just bought the game at GOG and trying to play 1939 World at War scenario as Germany+Italy and let the AI control Japan. I've a blue circle around Japan icon. Still gives me control of Japan units (and shows me Japan popups) when the game starts.

I've tried restarting the game. I've tried ...

This isn't working for me. I'm trying to start (my very first) game with axis and letting the AI control Japan. The blue circle is around Japan, yet it gives me control over the Japan units. I've played some turns while trying to switch Japan on and off; I've tried switching to control of only ...