The Howa Type 89 Assault Rifle, referred to as the "type89 5.56mm rifle" is a Japanese assault rifle used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team units, and the Special Assault Team. It was never exported outside of Japan due to its strict anti-hardware export laws. It is known in J.G.S.D.F service as Buddy.
It has replaced the Howa Type 64 battle rifle in front-line units.
A number of recent modifications have been made to the Type 89 due to the recent armed deployment to Iraq of J.S.D.F members as well as an overall concern over counter-terrorist and possible future combat deployments.
- In accordance with the "Iraq Revival Support Law on Special Measures on Land for the U.S. Military"or the "Self-Defense Forces Iraq Dispatch Law," a selector switch has been manufactured and installed on the left hand side of the lower receiver for ambidextrous use for rifles issued to J.S.D.F members in Iraq. However, this is only a temporary modification and the rifle must be returned to its original state (with the selector switch on the right side only) when it is returned to Japan.
- In 2004, JSDF elements that had the possibility of seeing combat were issued an optic (an unmagnified red dot sight) with their Type 89 along with a mounting bracket in order to decrease target acquisition time. However, since the use of the sight is still in its provisional stage individual J.S.D.F members are expected to purchase their own commercially available model for use in a possible combat theater. Among the commonly used optics include the MD-33 manufactured by Tasco Optics Japan under license.
- During the initial deployment in Iraq, JSDF elements that had the possibility of seeing combat (for example the Western Army Infantry Regiment) were issued a removable fore-grip and a 25 mm Weaver rail was installed under the front hand-guards of their Type 89s to accommodate it. Shortly afterwards, the restriction was lifted and all units began to receive fore-grips despite common complaints about damage to the hand-guards that were caused by the mount.
- A three-point sling was issued to J.S.D.F elements that had the possibility of seeing combat due to the positive testimonials of various international military and police forces. Individual J.S.D.F members were also allowed to purchase their own commercially available models for their own use if they wished.
- Overall, individual J.S.D.F members that were not issued combat based improvements to their Type 89 rifles were allowed to purchase and install commercially available accessories at their own convenience. Nevertheless, those that had the accessories issued to them were required to reimburse their quartermasters from their own pay.
- As part of the JSDF ACIES Development, some Type 89 Rifles have been modified to include a Foursided Rail system, a polymer based retractable stock and shortened Carbine length barrel, Although there is some evidence of Evaluation of Other Assault Rifles as a possible replacement for the Type 89.
| Howa Type 89 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1989—present |
| Used by | Japan Self-Defense Forces, Japan Coast Guard, Said to be with the Special Assault Team in certain quantities |
| Wars | Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defense Agency Technical Research and Development Institute |
| Manufacturer | Howa |
| Unit cost | ¥347,000 (1998) ¥338,800 (2005) |
| Produced | 1989—present |
| Number built | 2,948 (2002 Fiscal Year) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) |
| Length | 916 mm (36.1 in), (670 mm (26.4 in) with Howa Type 89-F) |
| Barrel length | 420 mm (16.5 in) |
| | |
| Cartridge | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated |
| Rate of fire | 750 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 920 m/s |
| Effective range | 500 m |
| Feed system | 20/30-Round STANAG Magazines |
| Sights | Iron sights; optical sights can be placed with weaver or Picatinny railing mount |
