from what i understand everything is different the molds the weapons and armor the usa version are also all plastic i think they are smaller to than the japanese versions. the import ones have diecast metal armor peices and are vastly superior . the USA and japan version are different toys all together, kinda like the Import Yamato 1/60 Valks and the USA Toynami MPC Valks, they are both Valks but they are very different when it comes to quality