With the success of the Ki.45 Toryu in service with the Japanese Army Air Force, Kawasaki considered producing a more powerful and otherwise refined version. This aircraft was given the designation Ki.96 and was developed as a two-seat heavy fighter and three prototypes entered production on August 1942.

By late 1942 the J.A.A.F. had become interested in the concept of a twin-engined single-seat heavy fighter and ordered Kawasaki to adapt the Ki.96 for this role. The first prototype was completed in September 1943 with the second crew position faired over. The second and third prototypes had a dedicated single-seat cockpit and a better canopy design.

The prototypes exceeded expectations but the indecisive officials of the J.A.A.F. did not have a plan for integrating this class of aircraft into the order of battle. This led to a decision to have the type revert to the original two-seat design and eventually without clearly defined goals the design was abandoned.

The wings and tail assembly of the Ki.96 were eventually resurrected and used in the development of the Ki.102 heavy fighter.

Dimensions:
Wing span: 51 ft. 1 in.
Length: 37 ft. 6¾ in.
Height: 12 ft. 1-5/8 in.
Wing Surface Area: 365.973 Sq. Ft.

Weights:
Empty: 10,031 lbs.
Loaded: 13,228 lbs.

Performance:
Maximum Speed at 19,585 ft.: 373 mph
Time to 16,400 ft.: 6 min.
Service Ceiling: 37,730 ft.
Range (Internal Fuel): 994 miles

Armament:
One 37mm Ho-203 cannon.
Two 20mm Ho-5 cannon.