At 70 years after the capitulation as the last Axis belligerent country, and a few weeks after the controversial anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic strike, has Japan decided to overcome its old pacifist constitution?
What is certain is that the name "Kaga", chosen among many for the brand new 24.000 ton military vessel that dominates the port of Yokohama after yesterday's launch, risks creating some international embarrassment. The Kaga was in fact one of the carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy that launched the deadly surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, an event known for having dragged the United States into what became the second world war.
The US newspaper Stars and Stripes, the American military newspaper, merely reported the news without adding comments on the chosen name.
The Kaga was sunk by the Americans in the 1942 during the mid-sea airborne battle (decisive battle for the overthrow of the fates on the Pacific front), thanks to SBD Dauntelss bombers launched by the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier.
The one launched yesterday in Yokohama is long 248 mt and has a bridge similar to that of a normal aircraft carrier, a battle unit that Japan cannot possess by treaty, but like Izumo, and the Hyuga lower class aircraft carriers, can only operate for helicopter take-off.
The Kaga, which will enter service in the 2017, will formally be the fourth Japanese aircraft carrier and will be used, as reported by Usni News, for the anti-submarine defense and for humanitarian relief operations.
(photo: Japan Marine United / web)
