The PitRoad one has more features, including a full hull, and a VLS option, among others. The Tamiya is waterline only, with no VLS, and the only option is hangar door open or closed. All of the other openings are just closed hatches etched on the hull. Still, all those hatches are there, and it is a good basic representation, which also came at a good price for me. So, I am satisfied in that regard. To have had it then build so nicely has enhanced my satisfaction even more.

The idea for LCS was also multiple roles, but one-at-a-time. The smaller hull then worked for that approach. (We do have mine warfare and surface warfare individually.) The original ASW package was planned to be an "area" approach. A group of LCS would move in (at speed) and drop patterns of sensors throughout the desired area. Then, they would "retire" a bit and loiter while monitoring those sensors. Sooner or later, any littoral diesel boat has to come up for air, or otherwise give itself away. Then, the helicopters would pounce. Lovely, except that when this was put out to the field, nobody there wanted that. They wanted traditional escort ASW. That's when they started trying to fit a VDS on the LCS, which was never meant for that. No surprise, then, that it failed. The frigate hull of the Mogamis is much better for VDS deployment, and ASW in general, and no doubt gives better range to boot. Basically, Japan realized early enough the problems with a one mission at a time approach, and probably also always planned escort type ASW from the outset. They switched to a frigate hull and reaped greater success.

I had earlier either read carelessly, or had only read general statements about Japan's intent to replace their mine warfare ships with Mogamis. Now, this article makes it clear that only one older type is being replaced by them, but other specialized mine warfare ships will still indeed continue:

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/06/mogami-class-frigate-leads-jmsdfs-first-ever-mine-disposal-drill-using-usv/

For the US Navy, though, the replacement is "total:"

https://news.usni.org/2026/01/27/navy-wont-decommission-more-littoral-combat-ships-officials-say