Would light carriers widen Japan's opening offensive?

Additional Japanese light carriers might support simultaneous attacks beyond Hawaii or reinforce the Pearl Harbor strike, depending on how the IJN develops the ships before leaving the treaty system.

Question

Could additional light carriers let Japan strike the Philippines while the main carrier force attacks Hawaii?

Short answer

Possibly, although Japan might instead bring the light carriers to Pearl Harbor to increase the main strike's power.

Notes

Extra light carriers could let Japan strike the Philippines while the main carrier force attacks Pearl Harbor, or they could join the principal force to increase its air strength. Their actual use depends on the doctrine and designs developed while treaty limits still apply. Once Japan leaves the treaty system, construction priorities would likely shift toward the larger fleet carriers and battleships pursued historically.