Shocked by their first encounters with Allied Matilda, Lee, and Sherman tanks, the Chi-Nu medium tank represented Japan’s attempts to modernise their armoured forces during a period of intense conflict and rapid technological advancement.

It was armed with a Type 3 75mm tank gun, capable of engaging Allied tanks more effectively. Additionally, the Chi-Nu had improved armour compared to its predecessors, with a frontal armour thickness of up to 50 mm. Its engine also proved powerful enough to give the Chi-Nu good mobility. Based on the experience with fitting Rift weaponry to the Chi-Ha, a variant of the Chi-Nu mounts the Type 99 Shiboru cannon.