Japanese ASW escorts: IJN Shimush, Kunashiri, Ishigaki, Hachijo 1940-59. Albeit the Matsu and Tachibana of 1944-45 are often assimilated as the first “true” IJN escort destroyer, a first effort to produce something mid-way between a frigate and proper destroyer escort was already on the works since 1937, based on previous experience with torpedo boats and … Read more
Imperial Japanese Navy 1937-45. IJN Otori, Hiyodori, Hayabusa, Kasasagi, Kiji, Kari, Sagi, Hato + 8 more cancelled. The Otori-class torpedo boat (鴻型水雷艇, Ōtori-gata suiraitei) were a second class of Imperial Japanese Navy torpedo boats built in the late interwar after the Chidori class, and improved. Their design was indeed a reaction to the Chidori class, … Read more
Japan, 1933-45. The Chidori-class torpedo boat (千鳥型水雷艇, Chidori-gata suiraitei) were Imperial Japanese Navy torpedo boats, the first since decades, built in the interwar and seeing heavy action in the Second World War. The design was an attempt to circumvent, very much like Italy, tonnage limitations on warships. The IJN staff ina predictable pattern wanted as … Read more
IJN “special type” Destroyers built 1930-33. Type III: Akatsuki, Hibiki, Ikazuchi, Inazuma The Akatsuki-class destroyers (Akatsukigata kuchikukan) were four destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) built between 1926 and 1933. They were dubbed the Group III of the Fubuki class (24, comprising themselves) which for some authors were described as the world’s first modern … Read more
Japanese seaplane tenders/Oilers 1919-1922: Notoro*, Shiretoko, Erimo, Sata, Tsurumi*, Shiriya, Irō 1922-45. IJN Notoro and Tusurumi were rare case of seaplane carriers, born oilers, and returned back to oilers, the first in 1942, the second in 1931. But during their service for the IJN as seaplane carriers they brought a lot of experience in this … Read more
Destroyers built 1924-26, Mutsuki, Kisaragi, Yayoi, Uzuki, Satsuki, Minazuki, Fumizuki, Nagatsuki, Kikuzuki, Mikazuki, Mochizuki, Yūzuki The Mutsuki-class destroyers were twelve destroyers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) in the mid-1920s. They played a significant role in Japan’s naval strategy in World War II, together with all other “classic” destroyers of the “german type” cranked … Read more
2nd class Destroyers built 1921-23, N°2 to 26, 5 cancelled, renamed 1928: Wakatake, Kuretake, Sanae, Sawarabi, Asagao, Yūgao, Fuyō, Karukaya The Wakatake-class were decond class destroyers and follow-on to the Momi class as part of Japan’s 8-6 Fleet Program, FY1921. They were to complement the larger Minekaze and Kamikaze class destroyers. Thirteen were ordered in … Read more
Destroyers built 1919-23, Minekaze, Okikaze, Shimakaze, Nadakaze, Tachikaze, Hokaze, Nokaze, Namikaze, Numakaze, Sawakaze, Yakaze, Hakaze, Shiokaze, Akikaze, Yukaze. The Minekaze class (Minekazegata kuchikukan) were fifteen 1st-class destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy built for the 8-4 Fleet Program FY1917–1920 as a complement to the 2nd class Momi we just saw. Laid down in 1918 they … Read more
Destroyers built 1918-22, Momi, Kaya, Nashi, Take, Kaki, Tsuga, Nire, Kuri, Kiku, Aoi, Hagi, Fuji, Susuki, Hishi, Hasu, Warabi, Tade, Sumire, Tsuta, Ashi, Yomogi With the Momi class we cover a new important chapter of the Imperial Japanese Navy, the destroyers. After Battleships, cruisers and aircraft carriers it was important to cover not only their … Read more
Escort Aircraft Carrier (Launched 1939 as Argentina maru, converted 1943) IJN Kaiyō (海鷹, or Sea Hawk) was an escort carrier operated of the Imperial Japanese Navy, converted in wartime from the ocean liner Argentina Maru (launched in 1939 at Mitsubishi). She was purchased on 9 December 1942 for conversion into an escort carrier, commissioned on … Read more
