Legit...But I have never seen them properly explained. Most likely Japanese observers with the Wehrmacht. Another photo from the same series
If you're an observer you should blend in with your host troops and not call obvious attention to oneself. This prevents drawing enemy fire and just as importantly friendly fire. At a distance a German unit seeing the Japnese uniforms probably would not identify them correctly as to nationality. They might be likely to engage since they're obviously not one of ours, they must be one of theirs (any opposing force). They wear a Rising Sun patch on their right arm so at close range they are easily recognizeable to friendly troops as observers. Similar/same rank insignia allows for friendly troops to know rank and render appropriate deference. Hell I always hated being around US Air Force personnel because they had so many darn stripes they looked like Sgt. Major God of the Air Force.
Interestingly there is a very similar photo of WW1 in Palestine with Australians on the bikes and the side cars armed with a Lewis
Common Wealth troops, probably North Africa, on German motors. Most likely captured at a depot when over run or a surrender. One with an MP-40.
