was an aircraft carrier of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was originally built as a seaplane carrier, before being converted to a light carrier from March to December 1943.

She was damaged in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.She was sunk with all hands at the Battle of Cape Engano during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. She was the largest vessel of any nationality which is definitely known to have been sunk with all hands during World War II, although there is some possibility that the Japanese battleship Fusō may also have been lost with all hands.

Commanding Officers

As CVS

Chief Equipping Officer - Capt. Seiji Mizui - 20 November 1937 - 15 December 1938

Capt. Tomeo Kaku - 15 December 1938 - 15 November 1939

Capt. Tadao Yokoi - 15 November 1939 - 20 August 1940

Capt. / RADM Kaku Harada - 20 August 1940 - 9 January 1943 (Promoted to Rear Admiral on 1 November 1942.)

As CVL

Capt. Akitomo Beppu - 9 January 1943 - 15 February 1944

Capt. / RADM* Eiichiro Jyo - 15 February 1944 - 25 October 1944 (KIA)

References