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[Keith Broaders]

y 1945, the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) was severely depleted due to heavy losses in the Pacific War, particularly from battles like Midway, Leyte Gulf, and ongoing Allied air and submarine campaigns. Exact numbers vary depending on the source and the definition of "warship," but here’s a breakdown based on available data:

• Capital Ships:
  • Battleships: By early 1945, Japan had around 4 operational battleships, including Yamato and Nagato. Most others were sunk or heavily damaged by this point.
  • Aircraft Carriers: The IJN had roughly 4-5 carriers left, including smaller escort carriers like Taiyo and Unyo, but most were not combat-effective due to a lack of aircraft and trained pilots. Major fleet carriers like Zuikaku were lost by late 1944.
• Cruisers:
  • Heavy Cruisers: Approximately 4-6 remained operational, with others sunk or damaged.
  • Light Cruisers: Around 5-7 were still in service, though many were in poor condition or relegated to secondary roles.
• Destroyers: The IJN had about 40-50 destroyers left by 1945, down from over 100 earlier in the war. Many were sunk in convoy escort duties or major battles.
• Submarines: Around 40-50 submarines were operational, though fuel shortages and Allied anti-submarine warfare limited their effectiveness.
• Smaller Vessels: The IJN still had numerous smaller warships, including frigates, corvettes, and patrol boats, likely numbering in the low hundreds, but these were mostly used for coastal defense or convoy protection.

Total Estimate: By early 1945, the IJN likely had around 100-150 warships of all types, with only a fraction combat-ready due to fuel shortages, crew losses, and material degradation. By August 1945, after further losses (e.g., Yamato in April), the number was even lower, with many ships confined to port or used as floating anti-aircraft batteries.

For a more precise count, I could search for specific naval records or posts on X discussing IJN strength in 1945. Would you like me to do that?