I actually prefer the relative simplicity and uniformity that Japan as a single country offers versus the expansiveness of the other games. I'm also a big fan of Japanese history, so that hits a good spot with me. Rome is nice, though; I have nothing against it. After Shogun 1/2, it's next in line as my favorite. Can't say I've played the EB mod, though.
--
"When I was a young man, I had liberty, but I did not see it. I had time, but I did not know it."