Designed to replace the Imperial Japanese Army's Type 95 Ha-Go light tank. Although designed before World War II began, production did not start until 1942, with 104 being produced by the end of the war.

A Mitsubishi-designed alternative to the Type 98A model made by Hino. The most distinct feature was the suspension with four large road-wheels supported by side-ways facing coil springs, in a manner similar to Christie suspension. It was an experimental model, which never entered production.