The Firewalls in Japan, North, South, and Australia

The loss of two aircraft carriers, half your force in the pacific, so soon after pearl harbor with all the other things that have happened is a big risk. It's also a hell of an opportunity for a ange to surprise the japanese. If you want to go out there and strike a blow, you risk what you're using to strike with. And at this time, if you throw a punch in boxing, you're opening yourself up to a counter punch.