The Arisaka Type 99 rifle was essentially born out of the realization that the 7.7 cartridge being fired out of their type 92 mg was more lethal than the 6.5x50mm cartridge being fired from their Type 38 rifles in the second Sino-Japanese war. The Type 99 was produced in 9 different arsenals, seven of which were in Japan. However, two were located outside of Japan. The first was Mukden, Manchukuo. The second was Jinsen in Korea. Type 99 production began in 1937, with the aim of completely replacing the type 38 rifle. The redesign had some key differences including lighter weight, and more compact size for ease of use in the field. Also, a shorter barrel with a folding bayonet. After several design iterations the type 99 was finalized in 1939. The Type 99 rifle was the primary service bolt-action rifle that was issued to the Japanese Military from 1939 to 1945.

 

Some key identifiable features of the type 99 can be seen in its design. The first most noticeable is the dust over. A piece of stamped metal that covers the action when the bolt is closed was a unique design feature that was exclusive to the Japanese type bolt action rifles. It also has a distinct chrysanthemum stamping on top of the chamber, in between the bolt action and the rear sight. The chrysanthemum was a symbol of the emperor, and thus was defaced on many captured, and surrendered rifles with two bayonet slashes or some other method of defacement at the end of the war. There are also clear factory markings on the left side of the receiver. The markings are always in the same order. From left to right they represent the Series of the rifle, the serial number, the arsenal where the rifle was made, and finally the final inspector mark. There is also Kanji in between the action and the chrysanthemum that reads Type 99.

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This particular rifle features the markings of the Jinsen factory in Korea, and has many features of the early-war guns, making it an exceptionally rare piece.