Tank origin

After the Korean War began, Japan was permitted to reestablish its military. In lieu of purchasing American M47 Pattons, it began work on an indigenous main battle tank, producing four prototypes between 1956 and 1960. The final design, designated the Type 61, was accepted into service in April 1961. Mitsubishi produced 560 units before the Type 61’s successor was introduced in 1975. Although the Type 61 lacked such features as nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, units were modified with infrared searchlights to keep them competitive.