Laid down as passenger-cargo ocean liner by Osaka Iron Works, Japan for account of Nippon Yusen (NYK) on 19 June 1929, launched on 16 April 1930, completed on 24 November 1930, purchased by the Japanese navy on 3 October 1941, conversion into a submarine tender started second half of October 1941 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe, sunk by American aircraft on 18 February 1944 in the Chuuk Lagoon, Caroline Islands and stricken on 31 March 1944.
Technical details as a merchant ship. Part of the Hikawa Maru-class ocean liners consisting of the Hikawa Maru, Hiye Maru I (renamed 1938 Hie Maru) and Heian Maru. With a gross register tonnage of 11.615 tons were her dimensions 163,3 (over all) x 20,1 x 12,5 metres or 535.9 c 65.11 x 41.0 feet. The machinery consisted of 2 B&W-Ikegai diesels supplying via 2 shafts 13.404 bhp allowing a speed of 18,4 knots. Passenger accommodation 330 persons. Crew numbered 130 men. Armament as a submarine tender 4-15cm/5.9” cal 50 41st Year Type naval guns and 4-1,3cm anti aircraft guns.
