Kuma

Kuma-Class Cruisers (球磨型軽巡洋艦) were built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during the years of 1917 to 1921. Initially designed for long-range, high speed reconnaissance, and as a command vessel for destroyer or submarine flotillas. The IJN built 5 of this class. 

Kuma-Class Cruisers served between the years of 1920 to 1946.

Preceded by: Tenryū class

Succeeded by: :  Nagara class

Kuma-Class Cruisers evolved quickly with the development of the long range oxygen-propelled Type 93 "Long Lance" torpedoes create a special "Night Battle Force" of torpedo cruisers. In August 1941 Kuma Class'Ōi and Kitakami were modified with ten quadruple mount torpedo launchers.  In August 1942 the torpedoes were removed and they were converted to troop carriers without ever firing a torpedo in combat. In 1944, Kitakami returned to Japan for conversion to carrier for Kaiten human torpedoes, but never served in this capacity due to lack of fuel.