Hosho is more than a small first carrier. Japan observes British wartime carrier work, changes course from planned seaplane carriers, and builds a full-length flight-deck carrier from scratch. British influence then helps Mitsubishi develop fighters, while Japanese choices aim for a workable development path rather than an instant leap to perfection. Hosho becomes a ship-design experiment, an aviation school, and a foundation for domestic aircraft manufacture.
Chapter · 31:29-46:13
Hosho starts Japan's carrier and aircraft learning curve
Hosho shows Japan shifting from seaplane-carrier plans to a true flight-deck carrier while building the aircraft and industrial skills it needs.