Design
The Ki-76 was designed by Kozo Masuhara, who patterned the aircraft after the German Fi 156 Storch after the Japanese Army saw its success in Europe.
The design team decided to use Fowler flaps which were synchronized with the tail surfaces which gave the Ki-76 a higher lift.
In June 1941, a Storch and a Ki-76 were compared and the Ki-76 excelled in all areas except for landing distance.