[Imp]

Originally Posted by Suhiir

I've had a few people, and posts on other forums, question why Japan went with the Type 10 (48 tons fully loaded) as their MBT.

The answer is very simple: Roads, bridges, and sealift.
Japan is a VERY mountainous nation, narrow roads, lots of bridges, and like the US they won't be able to drive to the battle (unless they're invaded) so any, and everything needs to be transported, probably via ship.

Also remember it’s a defence force Japan does not fight overseas.so it’s a sensible idea they can deploy in the majority of places mainly as infantry support. Should someone try to land normal MBT they could probably meet them on the beaches. Around half the bridges in Japan cannot support a 60 ton vehicle.