The Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai was developed after Japan’s 1939 defeat at Khalkhin Gol, which exposed the shortcomings of the infantry-support Type 97 Chi-Ha and its low-velocity 57 mm gun. To improve anti-tank performance, the higher-velocity Type 1 47 mm gun—ready by 1941—was mounted in the Shinhōtō (新砲塔, “new turret”), creating the improved Chi-Ha Kai. Designed to counter late-1930s armor, it performed effectively in early Pacific campaigns such as Malaya and Corregidor against lightly armored Allied vehicles. However, its inter-war design standards left it outmatched by newer 1940s tanks like the M4 Sherman, a generational gap that greatly contributed to the negative reputation of Japanese armour.

The Chi-Ha Kai (Twitch drop) was introduced as a reward for watching the Japan Tournament 2021 on Twitch on April 3rd. It is a Twitch drop variant of the Chi-Ha Kai, differing only in its default camouflage, and has been unobtainable since.

It serves as the true introduction to Japanese combat tanks, being equipped with higher-velocity cannons and relatively dangerous post-penetration damage. Built on the Chi-Ha, the only main difference is the turret; mobility remains the same, but it comes with a more capable cannon and an additional crew member.