Japanese WW2 Aircraft Carriers (1939-1945)

Survival of the Japanese carrier fleet in World War 2 was key to the Empire's success in the Pacific - which clearly made it a target for Allied forces.

There are a total of 14 Japanese WW2 Aircraft Carriers (1939-1945) in the Military Factory. Entries are listed below in alphanumeric order (1-to-Z). Flag images indicative of country of origin and not necessarily the primary operator.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Akagi

IJN Akagi
The Akagi served the Japanese Empire through the assault on Pearl Harbor only to be sunk some seven months later in the Battle of Midway.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Chiyoda

IJN Chiyoda
A pre-World War 2 design for the Imperial Japanese Navy, IJN Chiyoda met her end at the Battle of Leyte Gulf during October of 1944.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Hiryu

IJN Hiryu
The IJN Hiryu aircraft carrier was lost to allied aircraft during the Battle of Midway on June 5th, 1942.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Hosho

IJN Hosho
IJN Hosho began life as the oiler Hiryu before being taken over in 1921 and rebuilt as an IJN aircraft carrier.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN I-400 (STo / Sen-Toku)

IJN I-400 (STo / Sen-Toku)
Although 18 of the large I-400 aircraft-carrying submarines were planned, only three were ever produced before the end of the war.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Kaga

IJN Kaga
The IJN Kaga originated as a Tosa-class battleship but was converted into an aircraft carrier by the time of World War 2.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Ryujo

IJN Ryujo
Commissioned in 1933, IJN Ryujo fell victim to American forces during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons on August 24th, 1942.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Shinano

IJN Shinano
Originally laid down as a Yamato-class battleship, the Shinano was only partially completed as an aircraft carrier by the time of her sinking in November of 1944.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Shokaku

IJN Shokaku
The massive IJN Shokaku aircraft carrier was sunk by the American submarine USS Cavalla on June 19th, 1944.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Soryu

IJN Soryu
The IJN Soryu led a two-strong class of aircraft carriers in service with the navy of Japan heading into World War 2.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Taiho

IJN Taiho
IJN Taiho led a very short service life, commissioned in March of 1944 only to be sunk in June during the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Tone

IJN Tone
IJN Tone managed a service career spanning most of World War 2 - but she was sunk where she sat during July of 1945.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Zuiho

IJN Zuiho
IJN Zuiho was sunk by Allied warplanes during the Battle of Cape Engano on October 25th, 1944.

Thumbnail picture of the IJN Zuikaku

IJN Zuikaku
The IJN Zuikaku was sunk by airstrike in the Battle of Cape Engano on October 25th, 1944.