Katori-class cruiser

The Katori-class cruisers (香取型練習巡洋艦) were originally ordered by the Imperial Japanese Navy to serve as training ships in the 1937 and 1939 Supplementary Naval budget. During the Pacific War, they were used as administrative flagships for various fleets, such as submarine command and control, and to command escort squadrons. The ships were upgraded as the war progressed with additional anti-aircraft guns and depth charges.

Ships
Built by Mitsubishi at Yokohama shipyard. Commissioned 20 April 1940. Assigned to the Sixth Fleet, based at Kwajalein. On 1 February 1942, was attacked by torpedo-bombers from USS Enterprise (CV-6), and sustained damage. Repaired at Yokosuka. During the American attack on Truk on 17–18 February 1944, was attacked by aircraft and hit by a torpedo. Several hours later was attacked again, and sunk by 16 in shells from USS Iowa (BB-61). No survivors were recovered. Struck from the Navy List 31 March 1944.
 * JAPANESE CRUISER Katori (香取)

Built by Mitsubishi at Yokohama. Commissioned 31 May 1940. From December 1941, flagship of the Fourth Fleet based at Truk. In 1942 covered the landings at Rabaul and Kavieng, Tulagi and Port Moresby, Rabaul, and New Guinea. In late 1943 reassigned to the Kure Training Division. In dry-dock from November 1943 until January 1944. Served as a transport ship, and modified for the anti-submarine role in late 1944. Struck from the Navy List on 5 October 1945. After the war used as a repatriation transport. Scrapped 1947.
 * JAPANESE CRUISER Kashima (鹿島)

Built by Mitsubishi at Yokohama. Commissioned 15 July 1941. Assigned to the Southern Expeditionary Fleet in 1941. In 1942 participated in the invasion of North Sumatra and Burma. In 1943 made transport runs carrying troops and supplies. In 1944 modified for anti-submarine warfare. On 12 January 1945, was attacked by US aircraft, was hit by a torpedo, then two bombs, and sank. Only 19 of 621 aboard were saved.
 * JAPANESE CRUISER Kashii (香椎)

Built by Mitsubishi at Yokohama. Laid down on 23 August 1941, construction stopped on 6 November 1941, later scrapped.
 * Kashihara (橿原)