[citation needed] Functionally, their well deck makes the Ōsumi class more like a dock landing ship (LSD).

GlobalSecurity.org noted in its report on the Ōsumi class that "the program originated in a proposal for a small carrier for defensive and mine countermeasures (MCM) purposes, but this was deemed politically unacceptable, and the project was reworked as an amphibious ship" (actually a "Maritime Operational Transport", see below).

The Ōsumi class increases its carrying capacity with a flat-top open air upper vehicle parking deck, it has an elevated island superstructure offset to starboard giving the appearance of a small aircraft carrier though the helicopter flight deck only comprises the stern of the ship.

The Ōsumi class enables the transport of ground troops to strategic locations, and the rescue of civilians in case of large scale natural disaster.

At least two members of the class, Ōsumi and Kunisaki, participated in search and rescue and other disaster relief operations in the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

In the interim, the Ōsumi class have been modestly upgraded to be able to land Boeing MV-22s, which began delivery to the Japanese military in 2020, and also to carry the AAV7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles.