Japan's late-war problem is framed as a shortage of useful ships in sufficient numbers. Completing another large cruiser would not resolve that shortage. The proposed alternative is a mass escort-building program beginning around 1939. Ships of roughly 1,000 to 1,500 tons are suggested as the scale of the missing effort.
Notable Point · 44:54-45:25
Japan's need for a mass small-escort program
The Ibuki discussion turns to the small escorts Japan would have needed to build in large numbers before the later wartime shortage.