Interesting to know the production date. Many years ago the Chicoms either pirated the design or the Japanese moved the plant to China. Both happened a lot.
I've seen three smaller versions of that design which looked identical at first glance, but no parts were interchangeable; even down to different tapers on the chuck.
It seems to work fine,,, Has a 1/2 hp motor on it.
It's on a very heavy home-made stand. the bottom plate is 3/8" thick and the top plate on the stand is 5/8"
A guy on craigslist has been flogging an "Ashina Bench Drilling Machine from Japan" for several months. He drops the price a few dollars each week. Down to $220 now.