It was laid down on 21 December 1937 at Ishikawajima Shipbuilding, (now known as the IHI Corporation) and launched on 22 September 1938.

On 27 November of the same year, W-10 departed from Sasebo, and arrived at the Mako Guard District in Formosa, a major base for the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Despite poor weather, the forces still managed to land some troops on the islands.

[2] While participating in the invasion of Vigan, W-10 was attacked by Captain Samuel H. Marrett of the 34th Pursuit Squadron.

The explosion was so powerful that it tore the wing off of Marrett's P-35, causing him to crash into the sea.