After the success of the Asashio-class of destroyers were venerated in their proficiency and capability, the Imperial Japanese determined that their next two classes of Type A destroyers would be based of the work established by this design. The first of the Type A classes became the Kagero-class destroyers. The design choices seemed justified, the Kagero-class compared very favourably with their American contemporaries. The Japanese ships had a heavier main artillery setup; although the US mounts had the benefit of dual-purpose capability. As well, although American destroyers had more torpedo tubes, Japanese destroyers had the benefit of reloads.
In order to streamline design time as much as possible, the Kagero-class were nearly identical in hull design to their predecessors. Superficially, everything - even the superstructure layout - was identical to the Asashio-class. Design-wise, one of the more noticeable differences was the placement of the torpedo storage rooms; in the Kagero-class they were placed forward of their respective launchers. Propulsion wise, the new class used the same layout: 3 Kampon boilers feeding to two Kampon turbines. The greater efficiency of the newer boilers generated 2,000 shaft horsepower more than their predecessors, but this did not make any marked difference to the speed. Overall, the Kagero-class had a slightly greater tonnage and a slightly wider beam; in order to improve stability.
As her predecessor, Kagero-class destroyers reused the identical armament layout as the Special Type (Fubuki-class) destroyers. Six 127mm guns found in 3 twin-gun mounts; one forward and a super firing pair aft. Kagero-class used the Type C turret mounts for their guns; which has the distinct disadvantage of not possessing the ability to angle high enough to engage aircraft, but they were fully enclosed and were lighter than previous mounts. Located amidships were the 2 quadruple-torpedo launchers in their enclosed mounts. each were provided with one reload each. For anti aircraft defence, the destroyers were armed with 25mm auto-cannons in single and dual mounts.
Throughout the Second World War, the Kagero-class underwent constant service modifications. From late 1942 to 1943, further AA mounts were added, and the installed dual mounts were upgraded to triple mounts. From late 1943 to 1944, the X turret was removed to make more space for 25mm mounts. As well, many scuttles were welded over to increase hull integrity. As front-line ships, Kagero-class received priority for radar installation. In early 1944 a radar room was built into the foremast with a No.22 radar set. Later in 1944 a No.13 set was installed in the aft mainmast.
In total, 19 destroyers of this class were built for the Imperial Japanese Navy; the first 15 ships proposed for the 1937 Naval shipbuilding programme, and the last 4 spilled into the 1939 programme.
