Yonai is one of the least familiar Japanese admirals in the series despite a reputation among contemporaries for moderation, principle, and sound policy judgement. He is described as personally reserved, without obvious personal ambition, and widely respected in Japan and abroad. His policy record included initial opposition to the Yamato-class super-battleships before he was forced to accept them. He also opposed the army's expansion in China after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. After the sinking of the American gunboat USS Panay near Nanking, he publicly removed the officers identified in the passage as responsible, giving his naval leadership diplomatic as well as operational consequences.
Chapter · 9:10-10:20
Yonai's reputation and prewar policy record
Yonai's contemporary reputation is set beside his reluctant acceptance of the Yamato class, opposition to war in China, and response to the USS Panay incident.