It has been superseded by the more advanced Howa Type 89 from 1989[6] to 1990,[7] but is still in service with all branches of the Self-Defense Forces and the Japanese Coast Guard.

[3][9] 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.

[12] 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)[14] 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.

[10] 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.

[15] The Japanese Defense Agency conducted research on which rifle the JGSDF should adopt to replace the M1 Garands in service.

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).

[11] Because it was designed around this specialized cartridge, the rifle incurs substantially accelerated wear and tear from using full-powered ammunition.

[3] Issuing a Type 64 sniper rifle is usually granted to the individual with the most accurate shooting proficiency in each division (a designated marksman).