The Myoko class marks the point at which Japanese cruiser construction moved well beyond nominal treaty limits, reaching about 11,500 tons standard. The treaty and fleet factions were not simply peace and war camps. Both wanted to deter conflict with Britain and the United States by strengthening Japan's navy. They differed over whether to leave the agreements openly or exploit their margins while remaining formally inside them. One side favored open withdrawal, while the other used the treaty framework as cover for making every permitted hull as powerful as possible. Their dispute concerned procurement method and deterrence rather than whether to expand the fleet.
Chapter · 34:20-36:35
Myoko and treaty limits as fleet policy
Myoko's 11,500-ton standard displacement opens a discussion of how both Japanese naval factions sought more fleet power despite treaty limits.