Chitose and Chiyoda show the logic of convertible seaplane tenders

Chitose and Chiyoda already had storage, fuel, and aviation-related arrangements that made flight-deck conversion plausible. A peacetime program of repeated seaplane-tender construction could have created a reserve of hulls for rapid conversion. Such a plan also needed reserve pilots and a deliberate contingency system. Their carrier-like silhouettes later helped the converted ships serve as decoys with Ise and Hyuga at the Battle off Cape Engaño. Japan could execute conversions, but its limited industrial base and pilot-training depth meant it did not create enough of them early enough.