Osprey New Vanguard, Japanese Tanks 1939-45 (Zaloga). Excellent book (relatively new, came out within the past year).
One color plate shows 1939 China, another 1941 Philippines (the rest are for later in the war).
China described as: "… a base color of artillery brown with patches of light sand, mahogany brown and dark olive green, with the yellow disruptive stripe."
Philippines described as: "… three-color scheme of artillery brown, dark olive green, and dark mahogany brown with the characteristic yellow stripe."
The text describing the color scheme for a tank on Iwo Jima says "… basic finish is the later 1942 parched grass base coat with patches of willow green and mahogany brown."
So that gives you three early war schemes: China 4-color, Early Pacific 3-color, and mid-war 3-color.
Finally, yet another comment on the color scheme for a tank found on Saipan said "The camouflage scheme is the pre-1942 style consisting of artillery brown and dark green with yellow stripes. In spite of the new 1942 camouflage changes, older vehicles were not necessairly repainted."
And there is a page describing in detail the various color schemes and marking patterns used.
If you are interested in Japanese armor at all, this is an excellent book, well worth the price.
Steve
