Kantai Kessen, the decisive battle, was the culmination of attrition doctrines designed to make that battle winnable. Cumulative attacks were supposed to weaken the approaching fleet until Japan's remaining battle force could finish it. A parallel big-ship, big-gun strand also shaped Japanese procurement. Powerful treaty cruisers, battleships, and battlecruisers advertised diplomatic status and warned opponents that a successful attack would require their full strength. The cumulative operational plan and the prestige logic behind individual ships were related, but they were distinct influences on force design.
Notable Point · 50:17-52:09
Kantai Kessen concludes Japan's attrition campaign
The decisive battle is meant to finish a campaign of cumulative attacks, while powerful cruisers and capital ships also advertise Japan's great-power status.