At the start of the Pacific War in December 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) was the world's third-most powerful navy and a premier force, boasting the most potent carrier fleet, highly trained aviators, and advanced aircraft like the A6M Zero. It achieved immediate,, spectacular success in the first six months, including the decisive attack on Pearl Harbor. Key Strengths in December 1941: Carrier Force: Possessed 10 aircraft carriers (6 fleet, 3 smaller, 1 training) and the most advanced

Kaga was an aircraft carrier built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). Originally intended to be one of two Tosa-class battleships, Kaga was converted under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty to an aircraft carrier as the replacement for the battlecruiser Amagi, which had been irreparably damaged during the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake. Kaga was rebuilt in 1933–1935, increasing her top speed, improving her exhaust systems, and adapting her flight decks to accommodate more modern, heavier