The Kido Butai does not yet exist

Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Hosho, and Ryujo existed, although several were in refit or otherwise not immediately ready. Hiryu would not commission until July 1939, while Shokaku and Zuikaku were not yet launched and Zuiho remained further away. More important, the administrative and doctrinal carrier concentration later called the Kido Butai did not exist. Japan could not accelerate construction as readily as Britain because Yamato-class work already absorbed scarce yard capacity and resources. A 1939 air campaign would therefore begin with fewer carriers and a less developed system for employing them together.