Construction of the large-sized Minekaze-class destroyers was authorized as part of the Imperial Japanese Navy's 8-4 Fleet Program from fiscal 1917–1920, as an accompaniment to the medium-sized Momi class with which they shared many common design characteristics.

[2] Equipped with powerful engines, these vessels were capable of high speeds and were intended as escorts for the projected Amagi-class battlecruisers, which were ultimately never built.

[4] On completion, Tachikaze was teamed with sister ships Hakaze, Akikaze, and Hokaze at the Yokosuka Naval District to form Destroyer Division 4 under Torpedo Squadron 1 (第1水雷戦隊).

[7] On 4 February 1944, Tachikaze ran aground at Kuop Atoll near Truk Lagoon while returning from Rabaul, and remained stranded there despite efforts to free her.

During the Allied Operation Hailstone 17 – 18 February, Tachikaze suffered heavy strafing followed by a torpedo hit in the engine room, which sank the ship by the stern at 07°03′N 151°56′E / 7.050°N 151.933°E / 7.050; 151.933.