How Japan might answer a 10-inch American cruiser

The Japanese response is built for Pacific range and high speed, with less concern about draft than the American ship. Japan is expected to press or exceed the nominal treaty displacement and retain powerful torpedo armament. Reconnaissance and possible aviation conversion enter the design discussion, although the exact aircraft arrangement remains unsettled. Maya of the Takao class supplies the armour reference: roughly a five-inch main belt and only about an inch of turret protection. Removing internal belt and deck armour helps bring the game design within its weight allowance. Heavy armament and speed consequently come with thin protection, leaving a dangerous cruiser with little capacity to absorb punishment.