The Class C56 was a compact, lightweight design to operate on light-graded branch lines unsuitable for larger locomotives.

[1] Of the 68 C56 locomotives that remained in Japan, many were redeployed across regions such as Hokuriku, Kyushu, and the Chugoku area, and operated on less-trafficked branch lines.

While their limited power made them unsuitable for express passenger services, they handled local or mixed trains.

[2] The C56 earned the nickname 'Pony' for its light, agile operation, especially during its scenic runs on the Koumi Line, where it was called the 'Pony of the Highlands'.

[3][4] C56 160 was mainline operational until 2018, when the limited space on the locomotive made it difficult for it to be fitted with the latest digital automatic train stop system.