In 1967, the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force requested a new vehicle to replace its old Type 60 APCs. After 5 to 6 years of testing and development, the JGSDF selected the Mitsubishi Type 73 APC for production.

As with all APCs, the Type 73's function is to transport its cargo of infantry through the battlefield while offering them protection from shell fragments and small arms fire. It main weapons include a 12.7mm and 7.62 mm machine gun. In additional to the regular crew of three, the Type 73 APC can carry up to nine infantrymen with retractable ports available for them to fire their personal weapons. In order to cross a river, the Type 73 needs to be fitted with special equipment. It also has an infrared system for night driving as well as a NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) system.

The vehicle has formed the basis for an additional weapons system, the Type 75 MSSR. The Type 73 APC has remained in service despite the introduction of its potential successor, the Type 89 IFV in the 1990s.

As the Type 73 APC had little armor protection as well as weapons incapable of taking on a kaiju directly, they never took part in any of the frontline engagements against Godzilla and the kaiju, although were mobilized at an incorrect location in 1990 for which Godzilla instead ended up at Osaka, with one exception. In 1996, the JGSDF deployed to battle the small crab-like Destroyahs that ravaged Tokyo's Akane ward with the Type 73 amongst the vehicles present. They took shots at targets of opportunity amongst the small Destroyahs before the creatures combined into a forty-meter tall monstrosity that quickly wiped out the ground forces. Other than that, the Type 73 functioned in its assigned role of transporting troops to the front lines.