Howa Type 89 The Type 89 Assault Rifle Type Assault rifle Place of origin Japan Service history In service 1989-present[1] Used by Japan Self-Defense Forces, Japan Coast Guard, Said to be with the Special Assault Team in certain quantities Wars Iraq War Production history Designer Defense Agency Technical Research and Development Institute Manufacturer Howa Unit cost ¥347,000 (1998)[2] ¥325,800 (2005)[3] Produced Since 1989 No. built 163,706 Variants See Variants Specifications Weight 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) Length 916 mm (36.1 in), (670 mm (26.4 in) with Howa Type 89-F) Barrel length 420 mm (16.5 in) Cartridge 5.56×45mm NATO Action Gas-operated Rate of fire 750 rounds/min Muzzle velocity 920 m/s Effective firing range 500 m Feed system 20/30-round detachable STANAG magazines Sights Iron sights; optical sights can be placed with weaver or Picatinny railing mount[4]