Teishō Naval Act
The Teishō Naval Act was the first naval act enacted by Japan, and provided the basis for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Enacted by imperial decree in the year 9, in it the expansion of four major naval facilities, namely Yokosuka, Kobe, Sasebo and Kure, as well as a number of minor facilities. Aditionally, a ship classification system was established and new ships were ordered.
It called for the construction of 16 Warships, mainly of the 2nd, 5th and 6th Class. They were supposed to form the foundation of the naval forces of the IJN. However, due to economic difficulties and a temporary change of focus onto industrial affairs, many of the ships were cancelled.
Teishō Ship Classification System
| English Name | Japanese Name | Classifaction |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Class Warship | 一等軍艦 (1-tō Gunkan) | 100+ Guns |
| 2nd Class Warship | 二等軍艦 (2-tō Gunkan) | 80-98 Guns |
| 3rd Class Warship | 三等軍艦 (3-tō Gunkan) | 60-78 Guns |
| 4th Class Warship | 四等軍艦 (4-tō Gunkan) | 46-58 Guns |
| 5th Class Warship | 五等軍艦 (5-tō Gunkan) | 32-44 Guns |
| 6th Class Warship | 六等軍艦 (6-tō Gunkan) | 20-30 Guns |
| 7th Class Warship | 七等軍艦 (7-tō Gunkan) | 10-18 Guns |
| Gunboat | 砲艦 (Hōkan) | <10 Guns |
Table of Vessels
| Category | Class | Planned | Completed | Cancelled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class Warship | - | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 4th Class Warship | - | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 5th Class Warship | 4 | 3 | ||
| 6th Class Warship | Tae Maru Class | 4 | Tae Maru, Taiko Maru, Teri Maru | 1 |
| 7th Class Warship | Hizen Maru Class | 2 | Hizen Maru, Orine Maru | - |
| Gunboat | Aka Maru Class | 5 | Aka Maru, Kuro Maru, Murasaki Maru, Aoi Maru, Midori Maru | - |