"are jap cvs any good?"
They are judged by some to be the best in this game.

"are there planes any good?"
Well, that is a point of debate, but Id say they perform very well.

"what type of plane (torp bomber, dive bomber) should i use with the japs?"
In general, torpedo bombers (lvl 33) are a bit hard to use as you have to aim the
planes as they fly and then release a torpedo. Dive bombers (lvl45) on the other
hand, all you have to do is approach the ship from the back, dive onto it and release
bombs. In some ways, that is much easier, whereas with torpedo bombers you need
a lot of skill. However - Divers are lvl 45, Torpedo lvl 33... Just means waiting longer
for your CV.

"what level is the first jap carrier?"
Level 33 - Oyodo. It is a ... 'decent' ... first carrier, and it is a remodel of
a ... 'decent' ... CL, the Agano. Some people say skip - if you want the experience, go
for it.