[3] Over the course of several wars, the rifle went through multiple production runs, during which several variants were developed, including the transition from the 6.5mm Type 38 cartridge to the larger 7.7mm Type 99, as well as the introduction of a paratrooper rifle that could be broken down into two major parts for easier storage during airborne operations.

Some of the early issue Type 99 rifles were fitted with a folding wire monopod intended to improve accuracy in the prone position.

The rear sights also featured folding horizontal extensions to give a degree of lead suitable for firing at aircraft.

Near the end of World War II, ersatz models were manufactured with various cost-cutting measures, with the goal of cheaply bolstering the imperial armed forces.

Some of these cost cutting measures included the replacement of the ovoid bulb-shaped bolt of earlier runs with a smaller, more utilitarian cylindrical shape.

Additionally, the hand guard on the barrel was omitted, and crude fixed sights were fitted to the weapon.

Prior to World War II, Arisakas were used by the Royal Navy and Russian Army, in Finland and Albania.

Many captured rifles were employed by neighboring countries both during and after World War II, by nations such as China, Thailand and Cambodia.

After the Japanese surrender from World War II in the summer of 1945, the manufacture of Arisaka rifles and ammunition stopped abruptly, quickly becoming obsolete.

While there are conflicting claims that this was done on the orders of the Imperial Japanese Military prior to surrender, it is generally accepted by most historians that the imperial chrysanthemums were ground off the rifles on the orders from General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of occupation forces at that time.

Most of the Arisakas with surviving insignia are in Japan, though there are a few remaining on samples taken as war trophies before the surrender, and those captured by Chinese forces.

Many of the Chrysanthemum Seals were completely ground off, although some were only defaced with a chisel, scratched off, or had the number "0" stamped repeatedly along the edges.

A very small run of Type 38 rifles was also manufactured for export to Mexico in 1910, with the Mexican coat of arms instead of the imperial chrysanthemum, though few arrived before the Mexican Revolution and the bulk remained in Japan until World War I, when they were sold to Imperial Russia.

Design overhaul based on the Type 30 for the Imperial Japanese Navy Land Forces by Major Nambu Kijirō.

Distinguishing features are its folding spike bayonet and two-piece takedown cleaning rods concealed within the buttstock.

The larger, more powerful caliber allowed the ballistics to be less affected by windage at the cost of stronger recoil.

The Type 2 allowed for compact storage by breaking down to two pieces: the stock and action, and barrel and handguard.

Twenty different variations exist, and is further categorized by early, mid, and late-war production phases.

Fixed permanently on the Type 44 carbine, this spike-type bayonet is foldable under the handguard and does not interfere with the barrel when deployed.

Ammunition for the Arisaka series, which were often battlefield pick-ups, or souvenirs, were not readily available after the end of the war.