Nagumo's appointment fits a wider Japanese preference for relatively small formations led by senior commanders. The structure was designed for controlled, adaptive attrition rather than a single indivisible mass. If one formation was lost, other forces would remain available to continue wearing down the enemy. This command arrangement suited the distributed Pacific defense Japan had spent two decades preparing, even though it created different problems in the fast carrier war that followed.
Notable Point · 53:00-53:50
Why Japan divided forces under senior commanders
Small formations under vice admirals were meant to make Japanese sea power adaptive and prevent one defeat from destroying the whole fighting force.