[3] Since the successful Siege of Port Arthur, during the Russo-Japanese War heavy howitzer development had taken high priority.

The Imperial Japanese Army's Armstrong designed 28 cm howitzer L/10 had been instrumental in destroying Port Arthur's defenses and sinking the fleet anchored in its harbor.

For transport, the Type 96 24 cm howitzer, could be broken down into four loads and towed by tractors.

[4] The Type 96 first saw action during the Philippines Campaign in 1942, when the US-Philippine forces withdrew to the Bataan Peninsula.

[6] In 1945, Type 96 howitzers were moved to Manchuria Kotō Fortress to strengthen the Japanese defense in preparation for a Soviet attack.