The Hatsushima class of four units were the first of the IJN's purpose-built cable layer types. They were multipurpose and capable of laying mines, but designed with a small mine compartment, they could only carry a dozen mines. The holds were enlarged in 1943-44 to enable them to carry 120 mines. The class carried 20 km length of cable and was able to retrieve the cable with an installed crane and cable reels. The cables were used to secure mines (mostly, Type 92 wired mines). The ships also laid undersea telegraph cables. The class was also equipped with four pairs of hydrophone sound detectors on the upper deck.
| Builder and Year Completed: | Harima, Aioi and Kawasaki, Kobe 1940-1941 |
| Displacement: | 1,560 tons (standard) |
| Dimensions: | 257’4’’ x 33’’.8’ x 11’’4’ |
| Propulsion: | Coal fired reciprocating steam engines, 2 boilers, 2-shafts, 2300 i.h.p., speed 14 knots |
| Armament: | 1-8cm/40cal AA gun, 2-13.2mm mg AA, 2 depth charge throwers 120 mines |
