Taiho was Japan's armored carrier answer

Taiho entered the battle as a newly commissioned flagship intended to answer the survivability of British armored carriers. Her extensive command facilities, reinforced torpedo protection, and large air group made her Japan's most modern carrier design. On paper she should have been a powerful and durable weapon against the U.S. fleet. A new hull and ambitious design could not substitute for working-up time, experienced personnel, or sound damage-control practice. Her later loss becomes clearer once these expectations are established.