IJN Shokaku was a Japanese aircraft carrier that served during World War II. Commissioned in 1941, she was one of the most advanced carriers in the Japanese Imperial Navy (IJN) at the time. Named after the mythical flying bird from Japanese folklore, the Shokaku played a significant role in several major naval battles during the war. Shokaku was a part of the First Carrier Division and was paired with her sister ship, the Zuikaku. Together, they formed a formidable duo, known as the "Shokaku class." The Shokaku was 257 meters long and had a displacement of 32,000 tons when fully loaded. She had a top speed of 34 knots and could carry up to 72 aircraft, including torpedo bombers, dive bombers, and fighters. The Shokaku first saw action during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. She then participated in the Indian Ocean Raid and the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942. During the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Shokaku was hit by a bomb, causing severe damage, but she was able to recover and return to Japan for repairs. In June 1942, the Shokaku was back in action during the Battle of Midway. She launched several waves of planes to attack the American carriers, but ultimately, both the Shokaku and Zuikaku were heavily damaged and forced to retreat. This battle marked a turning point in the war, as it was the first major Japanese naval defeat. After repairs, the Shokaku participated in the Guadalcanal campaign, where she and her sister ship played a crucial role in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. However, in October 1942, the Shokaku was struck by multiple torpedoes from American submarines, leaving her severely damaged and unable to launch aircraft. She was towed back to Japan for repairs, and it would take several months before she was back in action. The Shokaku's final battle was the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944. However, she was unable to launch any planes as she was hit by multiple bombs and torpedoes from American carriers. The damage was so severe that she had to be scuttled by her own crew to prevent her from falling into enemy hands. The sinking of the Shokaku marked the end of her short but illustrious career. Although she may not have had the same success as other Japanese carriers, she played a significant role in several major battles and proved to be a formidable opponent. Today, the legacy of the Shokaku lives on as a symbol of Japanese naval power during World War II.
