The scenario gives Japan a 72,000-ton scout-carrier allowance. That could support nine 8,000-ton ships or six of 12,000 tons. The expectation is that Japan would prefer the larger ships, with Ryujo around 12,000 tons. A further possibility is building nearer 14,000 tons while declaring 12,000, so the nominal allowance would not guarantee actual displacement.
Notable Point · 3:13:12-3:14:04
Japan's scout-carrier allowance favours a size tradeoff
Japan could divide its allowance between more small carriers and fewer larger ones, with the latter considered more likely.