By this stage of the war, Oikawa was about as capable an officer as the Imperial Japanese Navy could readily appoint. Some stronger candidates had already retired. His appointment therefore needs to be judged against a depleted pool of active senior officers. That constraint supports a favourable assessment of Oikawa without making him the Navy's best possible choice.
Notable Point · 11:23-11:44
A capable choice from a depleted leadership pool
Oikawa's late appointment receives a favourable assessment within the limited choice of active senior officers, since some stronger candidates had retired.