A Tiger would be a poor answer to Japan's armored needs because the country's roads and infrastructure limited very heavy vehicles. Japanese tanks consequently resembled British and American light or light-medium designs more than German heavy tanks. The same geography would also make Allied armored maneuver difficult once troops moved inland. Vehicle design follows the transport network and terrain in which the vehicle must operate.
Notable Point · 2:48:51-2:49:59
Japanese geography favored lighter tanks over Tigers
Japan's lighter tank designs reflected roads and terrain that would also constrain Allied maneuver during an invasion.