In 1941, before the start of the Pacific War, SADO MARU was requisitioned by the Imperial Army and converted to a Boku Kikansen (anti-aircraft) vessel. Her sisters SAKITO, SAGAMI, SAKURA and SASAGO MARU served as IJA transports. SANUKI and SAGARA MARUs were requisitioned by the Imperial Navy and converted to seaplane tenders. In '42, both SAGARA and SANUKI MARUs were rerated as IJN transports. All seven SAKITO MARU-class ships were sunk by American forces during World War II.
| Builders: | Mitsubishi's Nagasaki and Yokohama Dock Co. yards |
| Years Completed: | SAKITO MARU: 1939 SANUKI MARU: 1939 SADO MARU: 1940 SAGAMI MARU: 1940 SAGARA MARU: 1940 SAKURA MARU: 1940 SASAGO MARU: 1941 |
| Displacement: | 7,126 to 7,189-tons. |
| Dimensions: | 479' x 62' x 32' |
| Propulsion: | 2 Mitsubishi-Sulzer diesels, 2 shafts, 16,600 shp. |
| Speed | cruising speed 16 knots, maximum speed 19.5 knots. |
| Armament: | Varies |
