The is a single-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) on its rural lines in Japan. Based on Niigata Tekkà Â's "NDC" lightweight diesel car design intended for third sector operators (such as Matsuura Railway, Takachiho Railway, and Kumagawa Railway), a total of 89 cars were built, with the class divided into three sub-classes: KiHa 120-0, KiHa 120-200, and KiHa 120-300.
Eight first-batch cars were built in 1992. These had painted steel bodies, two-pane windows, transverse and longitudinal seating, and no toilets. All cars were later modified with the addition of toilets.
22 second-batch cars were built in 1993, including three cars built at JR-West's Gotà  Works. These had uprated engines, stainless steel bodies, single-pane windows, longitudinal seating, and no toilets. All cars were later modified with the addition of toilets.
59 third-batch cars were built between 1994 and 1996, including 19 cars built at JR-West's Gotà  Works. These were similar in design to the KiHa 120-0 subclass, but were built with some transverse seating. Although not initially built with toilets, all cars were modified with the addition of toilets from 2005.