Named after the province of Japan commonly believed to have the portal to hell, the Izumo was beloved by the Japanese populace, as giving the "American Invader" hell.
To construct her, a slipway used for the Shinano was slightly extended, and had large fishing nets drawn up around it, much like the preceding 'Secret Mega Ships.' It was presumed the Japan was working on a Supercarrier, prompting the U.S. to start preliminary drawings on what would become the Constellation-class.
The Warship #116 was lengthened astern the bridge, and was widened just fore of the rear turrets. Additionally, armored belt from #117 was added to the existing armor, and the torpedo belt. #117's engines were mounted to far back to meet the main funnel, leading to a unique double funnel.
Service History:[]
Completed to late to see action against Pearl Harbor, this ship became notorious her massive size, dwarfing contemporary battleships of every navy. During a nighttime firing drill, an off course American recon aircraft spotted her, and took high detail photos of her silhouette. It was believed to be a 'doubling', and the ship was in fact the IJN Yezo, due to the similar superstructure. She was famous for having a matt black and dark green camoflauge, a standard that was repeated to other Japanese ships. However, when she was transferred to the Atlantic fleet, she would sport a striped camouflage of grey, white, black, and teal blue, becoming one of the few Japanese battleships to equip such camouflage. During her maiden voyage, she was sortied to the Midway Campaign, where her true size was revealed. She joined Battleship Division 1, and is heavily damaged.
She was extensively refit at Kure during this, having a tunnel drive installed, a German concept that reinforced the controls of the ship to prevent the propellers and rudders from being jammed.
In recent years Izumo, along with several other Japanese battleships have had great cultural interest shown in them. At Kure, a 1:10 replica was built for the Kure Navy Museum, along with a 1:10 scale Yezo, Aki, and Yamato. Additionally, she was featured in the anime 'Space battleship Izumo' or Blazing Stars in the U.S.