Japanese turbojet development began in 1942 at the First Air Technical Arsenal, and employed centrifugal compressors. The first of these was undesignated, but served as a prototype for the TR-10, which was to be used in the twin-engine "anti-invasion" bomber Kikka. The designation TR meant Turbine-Rocket and was the Japanese term for aircraft turbine engine.

The TR-12 followed a compressor development pattern similar to German Heinkel-Hirth engines, and represented an improved TR-10 with four axial compressor stages added; but was considered to be too heavy. Under development between 1943 and 1944, the TR-30 was an enlarged TR-12B, planned for installation in the Keiun, a reconnaissance plane.

In July 1944, photographs of the German BMW 003 turbojet engine arrived by submarine. A companion sub containing production drawings was sunk enroute. Four engines evolved from these photos, including the Ne 20 by the Air Technical Arsenal. Like other Japanese engines, the TR-30 was abandoned in favor of the Ne 20.