Japan intended to launch two battleships in 1941

American naval attaché at Tokyo, Japan reported in November 1941 that recently a 40,000 tons battleship was commissioned to be followed by another one at the end of the year, both armed with 9-40.64cm/16” guns.(1) Furthermore was the building of 2 pocket battleships reported.

Note

1. The Yamato-class had a displacement of 62,315 tons and a main armament of 3x3-46cm/18.1” guns. The Yamato was launched on 16 December 1941, the Musashi on 5 August 1942.

Source

National Archives USA. Record Group 38: Records of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Series: Secret Naval Attaches Reports. Estimate of potential military strength (pt.). Summaries. Reports from London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and Berlin. Roll M975-001.