Heh, what's it like playing as Japan?
As mentioned, if you don't enjoy these kinds of things you can join an Alliance for aid. Many are inactive, as the game is slightly more subdued and slow-paced than previously. You can then get aid and let others build your nation, as well as forming trade circles along the Alliance's guidelines. They might also have helpful guides on how to 'run' your nation, along with the game's advice on which political systems to use, etc. However, you have got some aid already, which might help your nation with this dilemma. If you are grateful and would like more, then joining an Alliance is an easy way to get more.
In general, war mode might be useful if you don't enjoy the slowness, however it also leaves you open to external influence. If you're spending aid, keep this as a consideration, or someone might steal it from you. Further, joining an Alliance would lead to you being less vulnerable if you were in war mode. If that's considered a burden, be careful as maintaining a sufficient army along with other things might also be burdensome. As mentioned, without Alliance aid and tech deals, if you're feeling bogged down looking for similar kinds of deals on the forum, etc., might be useful.