At Hakodate, the Imperial Japanese Navy avoided dividing its squadron because individual Ezo ships could be stronger than individual opponents. Remaining together prevented the Ezo Navy from defeating detached imperial vessels in detail. The concentrated squadron instead wore down opposing ships through a succession of smaller engagements. It also supported troop landings and maneuvers that progressively isolated the defenders around Goryokaku. Naval concentration and command of the sea thus created the conditions for operations ashore.
Notable Point · 37:56-40:23
Sea control closes the Hakodate campaign
Keeping the imperial squadron together wore down the Ezo fleet and enabled landings that tightened pressure on Hakodate.