From the stunning victory at Pearl Harbor until its dramatic reversal at Midway, the Imperial Japanese Navy swept all before it in its numerous victories in the Pacific and Far Eastern waters. Indeed, even after its setback at Midway, the IJN inflicted severe setbacks on the US Navy at Guadalcanal and elsewhere. This book focuses on the Japanese ships which fought the battles in the Pacific, examining each component. Stille evaluates the IJN's prewar strategy and tactics and how it evolved throughout the war, discusses its strengths and weaknesses, as well as presenting a short history of the IJN during the war placing all warship design and history in proper context. Using a combination of new research and archival material, this fullyillustrated edition is a detailed look into this fascinating force.