The IJN lost too many destroyers while employed as transporters ("Tokyo Express") in the Guadalcanal Campaign.

In April 1943, the General Staff requested a high-speed military transporter to the Technical Department.

The requirements were as follows: The General Staff thought it was possible to use a variant of the Matsu-class destroyer for this plan, because they aimed to utilise mass production.

At that time, the stern slope and operating ability of the amphibious tanks were added.

They made the original sized wooden samples, and learned a work procedure.