The Mogamis' manoeuvrability and 6-inch firepower suited fighting enemy light forces during an attrition campaign. Retaining that armament could therefore have served Japan better than conversion to 8-inch guns. A separate big-ship, big-gun constituency brought together officers from both the Fleet and Treaty factions around construction policy. The Yamato class and the Mogami conversions expressed that preference for larger ships and weapons. The criticism concerns whether the conversion improved the fleet's ability to fight its intended war; the converted ships remained capable vessels.
Notable Point · 34:00-35:47
Why the Mogamis' larger guns were a disputed choice
The case for retaining the Mogamis' 6-inch guns rests on their role against light forces, while a powerful construction constituency favoured larger weapons.