The Kongo-class destroyers and Arleigh Burke class come from the same broad design school. Japan built its ships domestically with changes to their standards and shape to meet Japanese requirements. Describing Kongo as imitating the American design acknowledges the resemblance while preserving those national design choices.
Notable Point · 2:24:48-2:25:35
Kongo-class lineage and Japanese design choices
Kongo shares an American design lineage while incorporating Japanese construction standards and operational requirements.