Pretty much agree Logan, particularly when discussing the late '30s - early '40s, going into late '43 and up to the end however, Japanese designs are closer to European and US types in terms of equipment, weight and performance. In a few cases they were superior. Problem is they couldn't build enough and had serious issues with engines, performance and supply, and their fuel was crap.
I agree, though by late '43, the matter was basically academic.
I did a few proposed schemes for Graf Zeppelin aircraft that I thought came out pretty well, too.
Finally, I heard something that's related to this topic a while ago that I found amusing that many of you might appreciate.
Apparently, after the Battle of Midway in June of 1942, the Germans had heard a bit about it and asked the Japanese how the whole thing had gone. The Japanese weren't entirely forthcoming, vaguely mentioning that it had gone just fine. Something the Japanese said later, however, tipped the Germans off to the possibility that the truth may have been more complicated. I imagine the conversation went something like this:
Germany: "Hey, the US news sources have been bragging about some battle they had with you around Midway Island. Everything turn out alright?"
Japan: "Oh, yeah, that? Yeah, that went fine. We blasted the island, sank a couple of US carriers, it all went pretty well."
G: "That's good, we were worried when we first heard about it, but I'm glad to hear it was just Allied propaganda."
J: "Yeah, you know how their propaganda can be. Anyway, not to change the subject, but my government was wondering if you could forward a request on to your government."
G: "Absolutely. What can we do for you?"
J: "Well, that carrier of yours, the
Graf Zeppelin?"
G: "Yeah, what about it?"
J: "Well, our Navy was wondering--if you weren't using it--if they could borrow it, or even buy it from you?"
G: "Borrow it? I can ask, but wait..."
Cheers,
Logan