The Harusame class was Japan's transition from importing examples to constructing complete destroyers at the Yokosuka and Kure naval arsenals. Its bow resembled Yarrow practice, other hull features reflected Thornycroft influence, and its rudder followed the Akatsuki class. Triple-expansion machinery and boilers drawn heavily from Yarrow patterns failed to deliver the hoped-for 30 knots, leaving the ships closer to 28 or 29 knots. The armament combined two versions of the 12-pounder, four 6-pounders, and two 18-inch torpedo tubes. The class nevertheless served in the Russo-Japanese War and took part at Tsushima.
Notable Point · 27:45-30:23
Harusame exposes the trade-offs of domestic design
Japan's first fully domestic destroyers blended lessons from imported designs, but their engines and boilers fell short of the hoped-for speed.