DDH and LST of the Sun

Izumo and Kaga

The Izumo-class multi-purpose destroyer (いずも型護衛艦 Izumo-gata-goei-kan) or 22DDH is a de facto Aircraft Carrier originally ordered to operate as a helicopter carrier constructed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). 

In late 2018 the class was predesignated as multi-purpose operation destroyers following the announcement that they would operate STOVL jets. The ships of this class are currently the largest surface combatants of the JMSDF, taking over the mantle previously held by the Hyūga-class helicopter destroyers. 

The lead ship was officially unveiled at Yokohama on 6 August 2013. 

On December 2018, the Japanese Cabinet gave approval to convert both ships into aircraft carriers capable of operating the F-35B.

Hyuga and Ise

The Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer (ひゅうが型護衛艦 Hyūga-gata-goei-kan) is a class of helicopter carrier built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). 

Two - Hyūga and Ise - were built; upon completion the class were the largest ships built for the Japanese navy since the Second World War. Hyūga was described in a PBS documentary as the "first Japanese aircraft carrier built since WWII."

The Hyūgas were followed by the larger Izumo class, the first being commissioned in March 2015. The Izumos will replace the Shirane-class helicopter destroyers; the Hyūgas were originally meant to replace the Shiranes.

The specifications of the Hyūga class are comparable to light aircraft carriers, such as the Italian Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi and Spanish Príncipe de Asturias. 

Under the JMSDF's naming conventions, the ships are called Goei-kan (護衛艦, lit. escort ship) in Japanese and destroyer in English, as same as all the other combatant ships of JMSDF.

During development, Hyūga and Ise were provisionally named "16DDH" and "18DDH" respectively. The numbers derived from the Japanese calendar, specifically the 16th year and 18th year of the Heisei reign (2004 and 2006), when the provisional name were given.

Osumi class LST

The Ōsumi class LST (おおすみ型輸送艦), is a Japanese amphibious transport dock. The class is also known as the Oosumi class. While the JMSDF describes the Ōsumi class as tank landing ships, they lack the bow doors and beaching capability traditionally associated with LSTs. Functionally, their well deck makes the Ōsumi class more like a dock landing ship (LSD).

As of 2014 there are 3 Ōsumi vessels active with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.

Osumi 4001  

Shimokita 4002

Kunisaki 4003