When the Japanese Army needed an new rifle in the 1960s the Type 64 was created. The reputation of the Japanese imitating the US Army in weapon style preceded them when the Type 64's design was introduced. They had completely finished the weapon designs except for one thing: the cartridge. To stay modern, the Japanese adopted the new US creation, the 7.62 x 51 mm NATO. The Japanese Army felt that the new cartridge was too powerful, especially for light Japanese soldiers. Then Japan imported the 7.62 x 51 mm with less explosive powder. The Type 64 is still used by the Japanese Coast Guard and Self Defense teams.