Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2)

During the Pacific War, the most successful component of the Imperial Japanese Fleet was its destroyer force.

These ships were larger and, in most cases, better-equipped than their Allied counterparts. Armed with a powerful, long-ranged torpedo, they proved to be formidable opponents. Initially instrumental in an unbroken string of Japanese victories, it was not until the Guadalcanal campaign that these ships fully demonstrated their power. In a series of daring night actions, they devastated Allied task forces with their deadly torpedoes.

Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2) details the history, weapons, and tactics of the Japanese destroyers built just before and throughout the war. It covers the famous Kagero and Yugumo classes, the experimental destroyer Shimakaze—boasting a top speed of almost 40 knots and 15 torpedo tubes—and the Matsu class, which represented the Japanese equivalent to an Allied destroyer escort. These ships were designed to be built quickly and cheaply, yet they proved to be very tough in combat.