I can only guess, but perhaps the Japanese received the calliope on
the same ship that brought them the Austin Champ 4x4s [trucks] that
were not even in production until 1952.  These were shown in most shots
of the Japanese island bases, always with the large red meatball
painted on the side or hood.

If you learned one thing from that great TV series, it was that Pappy
and his men were very resourceful.  Apparently the Japanese were too.
Happy Holidays.

Jim Welty