First rule of the Krafty Ruleset: Final Destination only.
Otherwise, don't worry about the Japanese. Do you think they approach this game by worrying about U.S. players? I'm not sure what they do, but there are techniques you can use improve your play against anyone.
What follows is what I found in a book that is about improving your skills in anything. I will list the author later when I find the book:
So you want to know why the Japanese have the upper hand? To answer, take a look at the reason why Brazil has won more Futbol/Soccer World Cup championships than any other nation: a game called 'Futsal'.
Wikipedia link here.
Futsal is basically a miniature version of soccer with a smaller ball and a smaller field. What that means is that the ball itself is harder to control and there is less space between a player and their opponent.
Many star soccer players had never even touched a real soccer ball until they were in their late teens! And yet, Brazil keeps pumping out great soccer players and great teams. Not only do they have more championships, but they also seem to always place in the top 3.
So how the heck would a miniature game of soccer make players better at real soccer? It has to do with the transition that's made from Futsal to soccer. Brazilian players handle a soccer ball better because they are trained to handle a more difficult ball and smaller ball. When they graduate to real soccer, they have a better feel and their touches are more precise. The ball is not coming off their toes out in front of them when receiving a pass and they make better passes. Not to mention better shots on goal!
It's the same thing with the field size. A smaller field means opponents are moreso on top of you. This translates to soccer very nicely, as a former Futsal player will have a larger zone of comfortability. They will panic less and screw up less because they are used to players being closer to them and they know what to do.
So what I would do to get better at anything is to make a miniature game that makes things harder and limits you in some way. I'm not sure how this translates to Smash Brothers but I bet playing custom matches with certain settings might do the trick. Maybe play with BIG characters so that when you are normal size, it feels like there is a ton of space in between you and your opponent.
But it might be the case that there is no setting for what you want to do. In that case, just play with some dedicated people who will adhere to certain rules with the intention of training. Maybe play an opponent where you don't use a certain button or you don't use a certain tactic. Sometimes when you limit yourself you find new and creative ways to kick butt. That gives you options and options gives you a higher degree of unpredictability.
Make some mini games and share...or don't if you want to keep training secrets!
