The was a class of minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), serving during World War II. They were built to supplement the timeworn ''Sokuten''-class. 4 vessels were built in 1941–42 under the Maru Rin Programme (Ship # 257–260).

Background

* In 1939, the ''Sokuten''-class was the main minelayer of the local guard districts. However, they were too old. The IJN wanted new small minelayers for local guard districts. * In 1940, the IJN found out a handy boat. It was a standard longline fishing ship ''Sōyō Maru'' (160 tons) by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry. The IJN made a model of it and completed a design of new small minelayer. Uraga Dock Company built all of the vessels.

Ships in class

Photos

Image:Japanese minelayer No2.jpg, ''Minelayer No.2'' on 7 April 1942 Image:Japanese minelayer No3.jpg, ''Auxiliary Minelayer No.3'' in 1942 Image:Japanese minelayer No4 in 1942.jpg, ''Auxiliary Minelayer No.4'' in 1942

Notes

Bibliography

*''Ships of the World special issue Vol.45, Escort Vessels of the Imperial Japanese Navy'', , (Japan), February 1996 *''The Maru Special, Japanese Naval Vessels No.47, Japanese naval mine warfare crafts'', (Japan), January 1981 {{DEFAULTSORT:1 Minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy