Shokaku and Zuikaku supplied two of the six principal carriers assembled for Pearl Harbor. Kido Butai was established on 10 April 1941, late in Japan's preparations because the required carriers had not previously been available. First Carrier Division contained the older Akagi and Kaga, while Soryu and Hiryu represented the later treaty-era designs. Shokaku and Zuikaku formed Fifth Carrier Division. Their speed suited the force's rapid movements, and the pair accounted for a third of its carrier strength.
Notable Point · 11:23-13:09
Shokaku and Zuikaku in Kido Butai
The Pearl Harbor force combined older carriers, treaty-era designs, and the two new Shokaku-class ships.