Prior to, and during the Pacific War, the Japanese Navy requisitioned many merchant ships from their owners for conversion to auxiliary warships. The types of ships taken over by the IJN varied from sleek passenger liners to tug boats. They were converted to meet pressing military needs for troop transports, hospital ships, aircraft transports, supply ships, repair ships and many other wartime uses.

Kokuki-Umpansen! - Aircraft Transports

Kyuryokan! - Supply and Special Service Ships

Kyuheikan! - Ammunition Ships

Kosakukan! - Repair Ships

Hyotekikan - Target Ships

Suirai-Bokan! - Auxiliary Torpedo Recovery Vessels

Kokansen - Diplomatic and Exchange Vessels

Kyunansen - Salvage and Repair Vessels

Ryoshokusen - Prisoner of War Relief Supply Ships

Byoinsen - Hospital Ships

Bibliography of Sources