In 1914 reclassified as a battle cruiser. Of the Tsukuba-class. She was built according to the June 1904 Emergency Fleet Replenishment Budget caused by the war with Russia (8 February 1904-5 September 1906). Laid down at the Kure Naval Arsenal, Japan on 14 January 1905, launched on 26 December 1905, commissioned on 14 January 1907 and exploded while lying in the harbour of Yokosuka, Japan with the loss of 305 men. The wreck was salvaged and used as a target for naval aviation until it was broken up in 1918.
With a displacement of 13.970 tons/1.3750 long tons (standard)-15.600 tons.15.400 long tons (maximum) with as dimensions 134,11 (waterline)-137,11 (over all) x 22,80 x 7,5 metres or 440.0-449.8 x 74.7 x 26.1 feet. Two VTE steam engines and 20 boilers supplied 20.500 shp allowing a speed of 20,5-21,75 (trial) knots. With a speed of 14 knots and a bunker capacity of 2.000 ton colas and 160 ton oil was her range 5.000 nautical miles. Her crew numbered 876 men. The armament consisted of 2x2-30,5cm/12” guns (1 fore, 1 aft), 12-15,2cm/6” guns, 12-4,7”/12cm guns, 4030d Hotchkiss quick firing guns and 3-45cm torpedo tubes. The armour consisted of a 10-18cm thick belt, barbette and turrets protected by 18cm, the conning tower by 20 cm and futher more a 7,5cm thick deck.
Sent in 1907 as part of a squadron commanded by vice admiral baron Ijuin Goro to the USA, Germany, England, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Spain and Portugal returning via the Indian Ocean.
In the Netherlands they stayed for a few days in the roads of Vlissingen, Netherlands. Vice admiral Ijuin Goro was with his staff officers invited to dinner with queen Wilhelmina and her man. For a longer note dealing with this visit see on VISIT NETHERLANDS; the text however is in Dutch written.
