Japan's missed alternative to the Kaga conversion

The Great Kanto earthquake damaged Amagi beyond use as one of Japan's two planned carrier conversions. The treaty permitted conversions but did not require Japan to replace Amagi with the available Kaga hull. A purpose-built carrier could have avoided Kaga's low speed, which later constrained the range and maneuver of Japanese carrier task forces. Britain had not used the full opportunity for conversions at maximum tonnage, illustrating that such conversions were optional.