Despite its antiquated appearance, the Ki-2 was successfully used in Manchukuo and in North China during the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War in areas where danger from enemy fighter aircraft was minimal.

The Ki-2 was a low-wing, cantilever monoplane with corrugated metal alloy decking, twin fins with rudders, fixed divided landing gear, and powered by two 435 hp (324 kW) Nakajima Kotobuki radial engines.

in Japan visited the Limhamn facilities to study some of the military conversions of Junkers aircraft, and they purchased the sole K37 prototype S-AABP (ex D-1252 S36-prototype) as well as all development papers, signing a contract for licensed production.

The K37 prototype was brought to Japan and tested in combat in the Manchurian Incident of 1931, following which the IJAAS authorized Mitsubishi to produce both heavy and light bomber variations.

Vulnerable to attack by enemy fighters and replaced by aircraft with greater range and payload by the late 1930s, both versions ended their flying careers in the training role.