 The Japanese player can benefit from building up a strong economy
and researching Science technology, and
advancing quickly through the ages in order to make use of unique national bonuses.
These include the ability to collect Metal
(critical for later-game units) 10% faster, as well as the ability to build aircraft
25% more quickly. The longer the game lasts, the more useful these bonuses become
to the Japanese player, and the more powerful the Japanese military forces will
be.
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Japan, however, is not without other pluses earlier in the game. Beginning with
Ashigaru spearmen - a stronger, more powerful version of the regular Javelineer
in the game - the Japanese player can build a total of five unique military units.
Also available are Bushi and Elite Bushi. These are Heavy Infantry units which,
while slow-moving, are strong on both attack and defense, and which outclass the
regular game Pikemen. Upgrade these later to Samurai and finally, Gun Samurai.
Pursuing an aggressive approach early can pay off for Japan, as long as captured
cities can be held and turned into military production facilities. Or, use the special
Infantry units as perimeter defenders and advance through the ages to take advantage
of the economic bonuses.
Smelter: key multiplier of Metal gathering
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 Ashigaru - Heavy Infantry, Ancient Age
(I)
Powerful, slow melee units; stronger and tougher than normal Hoplites.
 Bushi - Heavy Infantry, Classical Age (II)
Powerful, slow melee units; stronger and tougher than normal Phalanx.
 Elite Bushi - Heavy Infantry, Medieval
Age (III)
Powerful, slow melee units; stronger and tougher than normal Pikemen.
 Samurai - Heavy Infantry, Gunpowder
Age (IV)
Powerful, slow melee units; stronger and tougher than normal Elite Pikemen.
 Gun Samurai - Heavy Infantry, Enlightenment
Age (V)
Slow, powerful short-ranged gunpowder units; stronger and tougher than normal Fusiliers.
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