Plotting on adding a M41 to my JGSDF collection. I read that the JGSDF ones were ex Bundeswehr tracks. Photos I've seen look like they are A3s. Is the ex Bundeswehr info wrong? Or were the tanks reverted to US specs before sending to Japan? (main differences I see between the A3s and M41Gs were the smoke grenade launchers, German tools, and the exhaust pipe that runs forward.)

There is nothing specific to German M41s about the position of the auxiliary "little joe" muffler. It changed during production as did fender shape.

Specific to M41G were the grenade launchers and additional fender lights, but even they weren't present at first. The aged Tamiya M41 is based on real JSGDF M41 and has the rear mounted auxiliary muffler (missing in the kit) and otherwise US standard.

Some were passed on from the US troops in Japan.

Domo. Did the JGSDF do any mods to the US stuff they inherited? Besides phone books on the seats so the drivers could see out the periscopes?

You could always get AFV Club's JGSDF M41.

In stock at Hobby Link Japan

Just found that one. Had seen the ROC one.

I second that motion. Great kit and nice resin figures included as well.