The design originated as an improvement to the prototype “Experimental Type 97 (1937) 47 mm anti-tank gun” (試製九七式四十七粍速射砲), which was tested between 1938 and 1939.

In terms of performance, the design was still inferior to advanced contemporary designs in western nations, but was considered suitable by the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff due to the anticipated lack of armor by the National Revolutionary Army of the Republic of China, and by the belief that Japan would face only light tanks fielded by the Allied nations in case of a more general war.

As with many Japanese designs, it had a very low profile and was intended to be operated from a kneeling or prone position.

The weapon had a split trail which opened to an angle of 60 degrees for firing to improve stability.

Transport was by towing, via the gun's two steel disc wheels fitted with "sponge-rubber-filled tires".

It had a high rate of fire and with AP shells was capable of perforating the front armor of the M4 medium tank at 800 yards (730 m), though standard doctrine was to wait until tanks got closer if possible to ensure good shot placement.

[9][10] The weaker APHE shell, while incapable of penetrating the M4 Medium's 93 mm (3.7 in) of effective front armor, could still penetrate the tank's side (38–45 mm (1.5–1.8 in))[11] of vertical armor), the most likely part of the tank to get hit, at a distance of more than a kilometre.