Following the end of World War II the JGR was prohibited by GHQ from building new locomotives due to financial difficulties.

However, an exception was granted for the E10s to replace the ageing JNR Class 4110 locomotives because it was not possible to substitute existing locomotives on the steep gradients of the Ōu Main Line where they were used.

The E10 boiler was a unique design based on the JNR Class D52 with the fire grate area reduced by 0.55 m2 (5.9 sq ft).

They were the last steam locomotives built for Japanese National Railways.

One E10, E10 2, was preserved at Ome Railway Park in Ōme, Tokyo.