Shiratsuyu's stated displacement of about 1,700 tons already exceeds the destroyer treaty limit cited here. The move from 4.7-inch to five-inch guns is criticised as a reaction to American armament rather than a choice based on Japan's own requirements. Retaining 4.7-inch guns is proposed as a way to save weight, though the overall benefit remains a design judgment. The elevated quadruple launchers carry heavy 24-inch torpedoes, while protective shields add further weight around the crews. Protecting those crews has value, but the combined burden makes the arrangement harder to justify on a restricted hull. The single aft gun is again criticised for contributing too little in its position.
Notable Point · 1:21:20-1:24:39
Shiratsuyu's treaty size and weight aloft
The class's guns and elevated torpedo equipment bring the treaty-era compromise between firepower and stability back into view.