Japan Strategy Q

[mavraam]

I was just wondering if the following strategy is workable with Japan:

Instead of trying to expand to all areas of the Pacific, can Japan try to get away
with a more limited strategy of taking over the coast of China, Singapore, Malaya
and the other resource bearing islands between the mainland and Australia.

Then, set up a compact perimiter defense of islands with arty and planes
along with CV TF's and keep a network of tranny's to move supplies around.

Then use subs to try to cut the Allies supply routes and make it difficult for them
to launch an offensive.

The idea is that by limiting the travel of their fleets to a small area, they will save
a great deal of supplies. Also most of the battles would be fought within their
own air cover zones.

This would mean not even bothering with Pearl which seems to be a high
cost to reward venture anyway or Midway for that matter. No attack on
Port Moresby which I don't think has any resources anyway.

Is this workable or would it be too conservative?

[paullus99]

I've seen it work both ways - aggressive Japan can work if you able to limit the US' ability to supply a lunge across the Pacific & Germany keeps Britain occupied in Europe. Even a conservative Japan can make inroads into Australia & India if the Western Allies aren't paying enough attention to the developing situation.

[mbatch729]

Mavramm: I was wondering, were you a battleship sailor too? Saw your portrait, my ship's photo. Just curious. (BB-61, 88 - 90, FA Division)