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Howa Type 64
Howa Type 64
Howa Type 64
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The Howa Type 64 battle rifle (64式自動小銃, Roku-yon-shiki-jidou-shoujuu), referred to as the Type 64 7.62mm rifle (64式7.62mm小銃), is a Japanese battle rifle used exclusively by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Japanese Coast Guard.[4] It is a gas-operated, selective fire weapon which is chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO round and uses a detachable 20-round box magazine.

Key Information

The Type 64 has never been exported due to Japan's strict anti-hardware export laws. It has been superseded by the more advanced Howa Type 89 from 1989[7] to 1990,[8] but is still in service with all branches of the Self-Defense Forces and the Japanese Coast Guard. A small number of Howa Type 64 marksman versions have been used by the Special Armed Police unit.[9][better source needed]

History

[edit]

Roughly a decade after the creation of the Japanese Self Defense Forces, the Defense Agency decided to make a domestically designed and manufactured main battle rifle to replace the aging M1 Garand rifles that had been given to them by the United States.[4][10]

It was developed by Howa Heavy Industries and eventually was produced in large numbers beginning in 1964 under the direction of General Kenzo Iwashita, who had a hand in designing the rifle.[11][12] The Type 64 was given official trademark rights in 1964 on behalf of Howa with the rights granted in 1966.[13]

Production was completed in 1988.[14] As of 2020, the patent trademark has officially expired.[13]

When compared to the M14 rifle for testing purposes, it was found to be superior in practical accuracy, likely because its rate of fire and recoil (from special reduced powder charge 7.62 NATO ammunition)[15] were lower. However, it has had consistent problems during its service life due to its reportedly overcomplicated construction and is plagued by a false reputation for shedding parts during field use and overall unreliability.[11]

The JSDF adopted the Type 64 in 1964.[4] Some were provided to the SAP for use as DMRs when the first units were stood up.

Scandal

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The JGSDF's Ōita Prefecture garrison had encountered supply problems when they were not able to account for 30 Howa Type 64s that had been lost, despite a massive search conducted by 95,000 soldiers on January 24, 2007.[16]

Development

[edit]

The Japanese Defense Agency conducted research on which rifle the JGSDF should adopt to replace the M1 Garands in service. In response, Howa worked on creating prototype rifles for the JDA to examine.

The first prototypes, known as the R1 and R2, are based on the shape and features of the Armalite AR-10. Another prototype, known as the R3, is based on the M14 with a curved magazine. From feedback, another prototype known as the R63E was used as the basis for developing the Type 64.

Design

[edit]

The Howa Type 64 fires from a linear hammer.[citation needed] The selector switch on the Type 64 is one of its most famous features due to the manner and order in which it is labeled: first ア (アンゼンソウチ/安全装置/Safety device (Safe)), then タ (タンシャ/単射/Semi), and レ (レンシャ/連射/Auto). Together, they spell アタレ (Atare); atare in Japanese means "Hit the target".[11]

JASDF airmen using the Type 64

The weapon's stock was equipped with a hinged buttplate in order to improve accuracy during full-auto fire. The Type 64 has an external gas regulator to control cyclic rate[12] as well as a rate of fire reducer to save the ammo consumption for use as a squad automatic weapon.[17][18]

The iron sights consist of a flip-up rear aperture and post configuration. The rear sight, consisting of a disk aperture atop a squared housing for the circular range adjusting disk. This is located at the rear of the receiver, with short protective wings for when it is flipped down. The front sight is located at the front of the weapon by the gas block, and has a front post flanked by straight wings, which curve out slightly.

The magazine capacity is limited to 20-rounds of 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition. A notable feature of the cartridge used in this weapon is that the powder charge is reduced by about 10%, to reduce its inherently excessive recoil and muzzle climb.[14] It was purposely produced with a reduced powder charge to be more suitable to the Japanese physique.[8][10][19] The Type 06 rifle grenade can be used by the Type 64.[20] To use it, the gas regulator needs to be used to cut off gas to the piston.[12]

Because it was designed around this specialized cartridge, the rifle incurs substantially accelerated wear and tear from using full-powered ammunition.[21] Still, the gas regulator has a setting to accommodate normal 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition.[22][14]

The rifle has an empty magazine hold-open for the bolt, meaning that the bolt will stay open upon expending a magazine. But with the lack of a proper bolt hold-open device, the bolt slams forward upon removal of an empty magazine, much like the Yugoslavian Zastava M70 rifle series. The gas and bolt system is inspired by the FN FAL or the SVT-40.[8]

Variants

[edit]

Designated marksman

[edit]
The designated marksman variant of the Type 64, equipped with a scope

Long range optics can be installed on the Type 64 rifle so it can be deployed as a sniper rifle.[4] Issuing a Type 64 sniper rifle is usually granted to the individual with the most accurate shooting proficiency in each division (a designated marksman). However, in many cases the individual may simply be issued the scope by itself to be used only during training exercises and shooting competitions, while no specific rifle is assigned to the individual himself.

The issued optics are usually set at 2.2× magnification and may either be a surplus M1C/D sniper rifle M84 scope[14] or a similar model produced by Nikon that replicates the M84's magnification levels. Performance is similar to the M1C/D sniper rifle but it is only possible to set the scope to view targets at 500 meters despite the elevation knob being labeled for up to 800 meters.

Some serious complaints about the accuracy of the sniper version are linked to the poorly conceived attachment system for the scope. The scope goes askew easily because it is only affixed with one screw.[14] Since the scope is not usually assigned to any particular rifle it is often difficult to keep it static on any particular rifle's receiver. This is usually corrected by installing a piece of cloth between the receiver and scope mount, but then the iron sights of the rifle are obscured. In cases like this, it is necessary to install a cheek pad to properly align the user's eye with the scope.

The weapon has been phased out in front line units of the Ground Self-Defense Force as it was replaced with the M24 Sniper Weapon System, which entered use with the JGSDF in 2002.[23]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Howa Type 64

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Howa Type 64 is a gas-operated, selective-fire chambered for a reduced-power cartridge, developed by Machinery Co., Ltd. in the late 1950s and adopted in 1964 as the standard-issue infantry weapon for the (JSDF). Designed to replace obsolete post-World War II armaments like the American-supplied and rifles, the Type 64's development began in , drawing on Howa's prior experience with production to create a modern suited to Japanese physiology and international standards. It features a locking mechanism, short-stroke gas piston system with a manual gas regulator, and a detachable 20-round steel box magazine compatible with M14-pattern magazines. The rifle measures 990 mm in overall length with a 450 mm barrel, weighs 4.3 kg unloaded, and achieves a cyclic of 450–500 rounds per minute, with a of approximately 715 m/s due to the underloaded ammunition. Key design elements include a prominent for recoil control, an integrated folding bipod under the forend, wooden furniture on the stock and pistol grip, and adjustable graduated to 400 meters, along with provisions for launching rifle grenades. The safety and fire selector switch is located on the right side above the trigger guard, allowing for safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic modes. Influenced by contemporary designs such as the and Soviet , it incorporates a patented rate-of-fire reducer to make full-automatic fire more controllable with the lighter-loaded cartridge. Over 230,000 units were produced exclusively for Japanese forces until around 1988, and while it was gradually phased out starting in the in favor of the lighter assault rifle, limited numbers remain in JSDF and service for training and reserve roles. The Type 64 earned praise for its accuracy—once described by firearms expert Jack Weller as "the best "—but has faced criticism for its complexity, weight relative to the average Japanese soldier's build, and challenges in field conditions. Due to Japan's strict export controls on military hardware, it has never been sold internationally.

Development

Background and Requirements

Following , Japan underwent complete disarmament under U.S. occupation, with its military forces dissolved and industrial production of armaments prohibited by the 1947 Constitution's Article 9, which renounced war. As tensions escalated, the U.S. facilitated Japan's rearmament through the establishment of the in 1950, equipped primarily with American-supplied small arms such as the rifle, to counter potential communist threats in . This force evolved into the (JSDF) in 1954, marking the formal creation of Japan's post-war military under the Japan Defense Agency (JDA), though still constrained by pacifist policies and reliance on imported weaponry. By the mid-1950s, the JSDF recognized the need to modernize its infantry arms, as the semi-automatic M1 Garand—dating back to the 1930s—proved inadequate for contemporary warfare demands, lacking selective-fire capability and domestic production sustainability amid Japan's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Influenced by NATO standardization efforts during the early Cold War, the JDA prioritized adoption of the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge to ensure interoperability with allied forces, while seeking a versatile assault rifle to replace outdated U.S.-loaned equipment and any lingering Imperial Japanese Army relics like the Arisaka rifles. This shift aligned with broader rearmament goals, emphasizing indigenous design to reduce foreign dependency and comply with export restrictions on military technology. In the early , the JDA outlined key requirements for a new , including selective-fire functionality for both semi-automatic and full-automatic modes, a construction under 5 kg to enhance mobility, an of at least 400 meters, and compatibility with the 7.62×51mm cartridge using a reduced-power load developed for the JSDF to optimize and minimize logistical burdens while maintaining . These specifications aimed to produce a reliable, accurate suited to Japan's defensive posture, with an emphasis on during automatic fire for squad-level tactics. Initial studies commenced in the late under the direction of the JDA and Machinery Works, involving evaluation of foreign designs such as the U.S. M14 for its magazine system and the German G3 for ergonomics, leading to multiple prototypes tested for gas-operated mechanisms and overall performance. These efforts culminated in the selection of a design balancing influences with Japanese engineering priorities, setting the stage for formal adoption in 1964.

Design Process

The design process for the Howa Type 64 rifle was initiated in 1956 when Machinery, Ltd. received a contract from the Japan Defense Agency (JDA) to develop an indigenous for the (JSDF), aiming to replace outdated foreign-supplied weapons. Under the leadership of General Kenzo Iwashita, who provided direct input into the engineering decisions, engineers began by studying contemporary foreign rifles from and the , leading to the construction of initial prototypes starting in 1957. These early models, designated R1 through R3, drew inspiration from designs like the and , incorporating variations in operating systems to meet JSDF requirements for the 7.62×51mm cartridge. Key engineering challenges included achieving reliable operation in Japan's humid and minimizing overall weight while maintaining with the reduced-power 7.62×51mm developed alongside the , prompting extensive iterative prototyping and testing from 1957 to 1960. Concurrently, a reduced-power 7.62×51mm cartridge was developed to pair with the , achieving of about 715 m/s for better . Over a dozen prototypes were evaluated for factors such as accuracy, management, and low jamming rates under diverse conditions, with trials comparing systems like and roller-delayed blowback against gas-operated alternatives. Ultimately, a short-stroke gas mechanism with a lock was adopted for its balance of simplicity, reliability, and reduced , featuring an adjustable gas regulator to handle varying loads. Following successful field trials with JSDF units in the early , the refined R6E prototype was standardized as the Type 64 rifle in 1961, with full-scale production commencing in 1964 after final validations confirmed its performance. This process resulted in a final design weighing 4.4 kg, significantly lighter than initial heavy prototypes exceeding 5 kg, while prioritizing durability for Japanese environmental conditions.

Production and Adoption

The Howa Type 64 rifle entered production in 1964 at facilities operated by Howa Machinery, Ltd., Japan's primary domestic manufacturer of military small arms, with manufacturing continuing until 1988 and yielding approximately 230,000 units in total. Although the rifle's design drew inspiration from foreign prototypes like the and incorporated selective licensed elements for mechanisms such as gas operation, all assembly and final production occurred domestically without reliance on imported components. Adopted by the Defense Agency (now the Ministry of Defense) in 1964, the Type 64 became the standard-issue for the Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), equipping units across all divisions and phasing out older bolt-action rifles like the Type 38 and Type 99. This adoption marked postwar Japan's first fully indigenous for frontline service, tailored to the physical characteristics of Japanese soldiers and emphasizing reliability in defensive operations. Procurement proceeded through direct contracts with , with initial large-scale orders in the mid-1960s enabling rapid distribution to JGSDF formations, followed by sustained production to support ongoing needs. Minor modifications, including reinforced for enhanced durability, were introduced in the 1970s to address field feedback on handling and storage. Under Japan's Three Principles on Transfer of Arms, established in and prohibiting exports to conflict zones, embargoed nations, or communist countries, the Type 64 has remained exclusive to JSDF use, with no foreign sales or transfers authorized. This policy underscores the rifle's role as a symbol of Japan's defense posture, focused on rather than international commerce.

Design

Operating System

The Howa Type 64 employs a short-stroke gas operating positioned above the barrel, which diverts propellant gases through a forward gas port to drive the and initiate the unlocking and of the bolt. This design incorporates a that locks into a recess in the receiver floor, providing reliable operation with the rifle's 7.62×51mm cartridge, including both reduced-power loads and full-power ammunition when the manual gas regulator is adjusted accordingly. The selective-fire mechanism allows for three operational modes—safe, semi-automatic, and full-automatic—controlled via a selector switch on the right side of the receiver above the trigger guard. In full-automatic mode, the rifle achieves a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 450–500 rounds per minute, optimized for controllability by a patented rate-of-fire reducer and linear hammer system, though it lacks a three-round burst feature. The bolt carrier rides on rails within the receiver, with a non-reciprocating charging handle mounted atop it for ambidextrous manipulation, and the recoil spring assembly returns the carrier forward after each cycle. A fixed firing pin configuration in the bolt head minimizes the risk of unintended discharges during handling or cycling. For field maintenance, the Type 64 facilitates disassembly into major groups—such as the upper and lower receivers, bolt carrier group, and barrel assembly—via quick-release takedown pins that allow straightforward separation without specialized tools.

Key Features

The Howa Type 64 rifle incorporates a solid wooden buttstock with a hinged buttplate, providing a compact design tailored to the average physique of Japanese soldiers for enhanced during handling and firing. An angled and contoured forend handguard further improve user control, particularly in sustained or automatic fire scenarios. Its sighting system consists of a hooded front post sight and an adjustable rear sight, with elevation adjustable up to 400 meters for precise targeting at extended ranges. Optional side mounting for , compatible with M14-style scopes such as the 2.2x , accommodates telescopic sights. The rifle feeds from a detachable 20-round box , patterned after the M14 design for compatibility and reliability in field use. A lightweight folding bipod deploys from the forend to provide stability during prone firing, supporting its role as a versatile . Construction emphasizes durability with a stamped receiver and wooden furniture on the , , and handguards, while the barrel features a massive to mitigate . The short-stroke gas piston system enhances overall reliability without compromising the rifle's external handling characteristics.

Technical Specifications

The Howa Type 64 is chambered for the cartridge, specifically a reduced-power variant that produces a of 715 m/s to reduce and suit the physical build of Japanese service members. The employs a gas-operated, action with selective-fire capability, allowing semi-automatic and fully automatic modes at a cyclic rate of approximately 450–500 rounds per minute. Its design emphasizes reliability in diverse conditions, though specific environmental tolerances are not publicly detailed beyond standard military requirements. Key dimensions include a barrel length of 450 (17.7 inches) and an overall of 990 (39 inches) with the fixed wooden stock. The unloaded weight is 4.3 kg (9.5 lb), contributing to its balance for use. The effective firing range is 400 meters for point targets, supported by adjustable for elevation and windage.
SpecificationDetails
Cartridge (reduced load)
Barrel Length450 mm (17.7 in)
Overall Length990 mm (39 in)
Weight (unloaded)4.3 kg (9.5 lb)
Muzzle Velocity
Effective Range (point target)
Feed System20-round detachable box magazine
Rate of Fire (cyclic)

Variants

Standard Models

Howa Machinery manufactured around 230,000 Type 64 rifles from 1965 to 1988, with the vast majority configured as the for frontline and reserve units across the JSDF branches.

Specialized Variants

The Type 64 can be configured as a (DMR) by affixing a 2.2x telescopic scope for enhanced accuracy in squad-level precision fire, without major alterations to the standard design. The bipod and remain available, supporting semi-automatic fire in this role. Additional variants include rubberized models used for non-lethal drill and simulation purposes, as well as experimental configurations explored during development to test alternative and compactness, though these prototypes were not adopted for service.

Operational Use

Service with JSDF

The Howa Type 64 served as the standard for (JGSDF) infantry units from its adoption in 1964 until the late 1980s, when it began to be supplemented and gradually replaced by the Type 89 , with frontline use phasing out by the 1990s. JSDF training programs incorporated the Type 64 in annual live-fire exercises focused on marksmanship, with soldiers practicing precision shooting and weapon handling to maintain proficiency. These drills also emphasized squad-level tactics, integrating the rifle with 7.62mm machine guns like the Type 62 for coordinated suppressive fire and maneuver elements. In non-combat roles, JSDF personnel have used standard-issue rifles during domestic operations, such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake relief, where troops provided search-and-rescue support, aid, and security amid the crisis. Article 9 of Japan's Constitution has precluded overseas combat deployments, confining the rifle to territorial defense and humanitarian missions. Logistically, following its frontline replacement, the Type 64 has been retained in reserves since the early 2000s, with over 230,000 units produced; as of the 2020s, limited numbers remain stored for second-line, training, and reserve purposes, though being replaced by the Type 20. As of 2025, the Type 64 continues in limited training and reserve roles within the JSDF, alongside the transition to the new Type 20 .

Incidents and Controversies

The Howa Type 64 has experienced jamming issues during training, attributed to its complex gas-operated mechanism and maintenance requirements, leading to overhaul programs in later years. In 2012, a procurement scandal in defense contracting involved allegations of overpricing and manipulated test results, leading to an investigation by the Ministry of Defense. The case highlighted broader issues in defense contracting, resulting in stricter oversight and reforms in procurement processes. Accidental discharges have occurred in several JSDF training mishaps during the and , often linked to trigger sensitivity in semi-automatic mode, which lacked an effective two-stage common in later rifles; this and similar events led to policy changes mandating stricter use of safety locks and trigger discipline training. Public criticism of the Type 64 intensified in the through media reports highlighting its relative to modern 5.56mm assault rifles like the , citing excessive weight, high in full-automatic mode, and logistical burdens in supply chains. These critiques, amplified by defense analysts and outlets, contributed to ongoing debates about accelerating replacement efforts for reserve units still reliant on the aging .

Legacy

Replacement Efforts

The assault rifle, chambered in , was introduced in 1989 as a successor to the Type 64 for frontline (JGSDF) units, providing reduced weight, fewer parts, and improved maneuverability for lighter combat roles. Despite this transition, the heavier 7.62×51mm Type 64 was retained in reserve and rear-echelon units due to its greater and ongoing utility in certain scenarios. Efforts to fully modernize JSDF small arms accelerated in the amid evolving security needs, culminating in the adoption of the 5.56mm in May 2020 as the comprehensive successor to both the Type 89 and remaining Type 64 rifles. The Type 20's development addressed limitations in modularity and reliability of prior designs, with initial beginning in 2020 and fielding to active units by 2023. By 2025, the Ministry of Defense planned to acquire 12,907 Type 20 rifles across services (10,000 for JGSDF, 205 for , and 2,702 for ) at a of ¥5.4 billion, supporting a broader goal of at least 150,000 units to complete the phase-out. As part of the transition, surplus Type 64 rifles—totaling over 230,000 produced since —have been progressively withdrawn from active inventory, with demilitarization and reallocation for training purposes ongoing to manage excess stocks efficiently.

Assessment and Influence

The Howa Type 64 rifle exhibited notable strengths during its development and early service, including robust construction that contributed to its durability in field conditions and versatility as a selective-fire capable of functioning as a with its integrated bipod. Its design marked Japan's first domestically produced post-war assault rifle, achieving of over 230,000 units and establishing selective-fire as the standard for JSDF , shifting away from bolt-action predecessors. Despite these attributes, the Type 64 faced significant criticisms regarding its suitability for evolving combat needs. Weighing approximately 4.3 kg unloaded, it was deemed excessively heavy for Japanese soldiers, particularly in comparison to lighter Western counterparts, and its powerful recoil proved challenging for control during sustained fire. Additionally, the rifle's complex assembly with numerous small parts required specialized tools for maintenance, leading to reports of components loosening or becoming lost, which increased downtime and maintenance demands beyond those of simpler designs like the M16. This lower and sensitivity to environmental factors rendered it less ideal for modern scenarios emphasizing mobility and rapid engagements. The Type 64's influence extended to subsequent Japanese development, serving as the foundational that informed the design of the adopted in 1989, which addressed many of its shortcomings through a lighter 5.56×45mm chambering and improved while retaining Howa's short-stroke gas piston system. This lineage continued with the rifle, introduced in 2020, which further refined with features like Picatinny rails and enhanced resistance, building on the domestic expertise pioneered by the Type 64. As of 2025, the Type 64 holds legacy status as an iconic emblem of Japan's post-war military modernization under the JSDF, symbolizing the nation's rearmament efforts in the era. Prototypes and service examples are preserved in institutions such as the JGSDF exhibits, underscoring its historical significance, while its distinctive design has appeared in various media representations of Japanese forces.
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