Oikawa served on the naval staff in 1930 and became director of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy in 1932. Responsibility for the academy indicated greater institutional confidence than an ordinary instructional appointment. He became vice admiral in 1933 and later commanded the Third Fleet. As head of the naval aviation bureau, he attempted reforms that encountered substantial resistance. His later appointments included the China Area Fleet in 1938 and the Yokosuka Naval District in 1940. Between those commands, he became a full admiral in November 1939.
Chapter · 5:15-6:19
From naval education to fleet and aviation commands
Oikawa's senior career combined naval education, fleet command, and aviation administration, with promotion to full admiral in 1939 followed by Yokosuka command in 1940.