Dan, what is the source on that?
If it is accurate, then several other online sources need to modify their accounts of the Kuma and Tama, which state it never got the Type 89 Twin 127mm, as well as contradicting that it kept its Catapult (Like Combined Fleet).
See: 1 Nov, 1943:
http://www.combinedfleet.com/kuma_t.htmCombined Fleet wrote:
1 November 1943:
Drydocked. KUMA's No. 5 140-mm gun is removed as are her catapult and derrick. Two triple mount Type 96 25-mm AA guns are fitted. This brings KUMA's 25-mm AA suite to ten barrels (2x3, 2x2).
Since she was refit at Singapore, I would think that getting the Type 89 HA 127mm mount would have been more difficult, unless they kept a stock of these mounts in Singapore for repairs.
And the Tama Entry at Combined Fleet shows it only got 4x3 Type 96, and not the 5x3 that the image you posted shows (2 P/S behind the additional 2x2 Type 96, one on the Catapult Mount, one on the Deckhouse behind the Mainmast, and one on the fantail deck).
http://www.combinedfleet.com/tama_t.htmCombined Fleet wrote:
27 October 1943:
Arrives at Yokosuka. Begins repairs and modifications. Her Nos. 5 and 7 140-mm guns are removed as are her catapult and derrick. A twin 127-mm HA gun is fitted as are four triple mount and six single mount Type 96 25-mm AA guns. This brings TAMA's 25-mm AA suite to 22 barrels (4x3, 2x2, 6x1). A type 21 air search radar is also fitted.
This image would show a need to change the accounts of these cruisers at other sources as well: Pacific War dot com, Hyperwar, and just regular Wikipedia Entries.
MB