The Akatsuki Class: Continuing to Revolutionize Japanese Naval Warfare

This is a follow up to the Fubuki Class of destroyers I made previously. Join us on an exciting historical journey as we delve into the fascinating world of the Akatsuki-Class Destroyers, a group of warships that played a crucial role in the Pacific theater of World War II. These remarkable vessels, part of the broader Fubuki-Class, brought revolutionary design features to the Imperial Japanese Navy and proved their mettle in some of the war's most critical operations. In this video, we'll uncover the history, design, and significance of these special-type destroyers. Discover how these ships not only exceeded the firepower of many cruisers of their time but also became pivotal components in the Japanese Navy's strategy to overcome limitations imposed by treaties like the Washington Naval Treaty. Learn about their development, the improvements made to their design over time, and the challenges they faced, particularly regarding stability issues. These ships went through significant transformations to become the formidable naval assets that they were during World War II. We'll also take you through their armament, highlighting the role of torpedoes in Japanese destroyer doctrine and how these vessels were adapted for combat, featuring everything from their primary weaponry to their anti-aircraft defenses. The story of the Akatsuki-Class reaches its climax with the night of November 12-13, 1942, during the first naval battle of Guadalcanal, where the Akatsuki met a tragic end in a ferocious engagement against American forces. It's a tale of courage, sacrifice, and the incredible adaptability of these vessels.
Fubuki Class Video: • The Fubuki Class: Revo...
Sources/Further Reading:
www.amazon.com/Imperial-Japan...
www.amazon.com/s?k=neptunes+i...
www.amazon.com/s?k=9780764362...
Video Information:
Copyright fair use notice. All media used in this video is used for the purpose of education under the terms of fair use. All footage and images used belong to their copyright holders, when applicable.

[@ImportantHistory]

Thanks for watching everyone! A few things to note. The first being the prevalence of photos of other special type destroyers. Well, it is nearly impossible to find photos of group three or the Akatsuki class. I searched the internet for many hours trying to find pictures, but I really could only find several. Just know the recognition for an Akatsuki class destroyer is the small forward funnel as found in the thumbnail. Also, I'm thinking about changing up the intro with some new footage, thoughts?

[@AnchoredPast]

Ah....the painful Akatsuki class Destroyers. Don't worry about the photos it's like you Said nearly impossible to find photos of these warships, and even World of Warships can't get the general model of the class right, so your perfectly fine. As for the intro....I think it would be a good change of scenery to the beginning of the videos.

[@mbryson2899]

Thank you for finding and showing what you could. As to changing the intro, if it's something you want to do I say go for it. Though I do like the current one I'd also like to see what you come up with.

[@kidmohair8151]

I rather like the opening. that said, you do you.

[@ironiczombie2530]

I like the intro as it is, but its your channel and if you want to change it go for it

[@clmk28]

Excellent video, the IJN does not get enough credit on how innovative they were. Many of the best practices and lessons learnt that they IJN picked up in their long history are still be practiced in navies all over the world today.

[@MartinMcAvoy]

Your channel appeared in my recommendations, Well done, this was a very informative video and I look forward to the rest of your content!

[@ImportantHistory]

Welcome aboard!

[@nicofolkersma2535]

Great video. Her sister Hibiki was the only one of the 4 to survive and was taken by the Soviet fleet as the Verniy.

[@craigfazekas3923]

Y'all must read, "Japanese Destroyer Captain" by Hideichi Hara. It's available in cheap paperback too- so I don't wanna hear any excuses !! Lol Top tier reading on this very subject. TOP TIER !!.... 🚬😎👍

[@warhawk4494]

Good video

[@bigsarge2085]

👍👍

[@garyhooper1820]

Kool

[@olegadodasguerras3795]

Nice video i like it🎉

[@jonmcgee6987]

Also the name of a cat that owns a known KZbinr.

[@seeingeyegod]

Well, the fronts not supposed to fall off, I can tell you that.

[@craigfazekas3923]

To some extent, vessels were engineered to have their bows easily replaced. Logic being, if a torpedo should strike the forward/bow area ? It may well come off, by design, with reinforced bulkheads at the meeting point of the bow section, so it could, in theory, make it's way back to port under it's own steam or under tow. And simply replace the bow section without having the whole ship lost- which it might be, without a bow designed to "fall off", under extreme impact- such as a torpedo. 🚬😎👍

[@njm5642]

What is it exactly ? Akatsuki or Atkatsuki?

[@user-bd3ds4ev5f]

Akatsuki

[@sirboomsalot4902]

Akatsuki is by far the most common Romanization, but there’s really no standard to it

[@njm5642]

He calls it ‘’atkatsuki’’ almost every time he says it

[@majorborngusfluunduch8694]

It's pronounced like "Akatsuki" but the "u" is almost silent. You just barely pronounce it. In practice it sounds like "Akatski." Apply this to any name or word that ends like this.