The six were a class of six light cruisers built for and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Nagara-class cruisers proved useful in combat operations ranging from the Aleutian Islands to the Indian Ocean throughout World War II. Most served as flagships for destroyer or submarine squadrons, and were deployed for transport or local defense missions. Towards the end of the war, the surviving vessels were increasingly obsolete and were retained as second-line units. The Nagara class was followed by the very similar . Background A final three 5,500 ton class light cruisers authorized under the 8-4 Fleet Program were ordered by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1920. Due to minor changes in design, primarily due to advances in torpedo technology, these three vessels were initially designated as "modified Kuma-class", or "5500-ton class Type II", before being re-designated after the lead vessel, . A second set of three vessels was authorized in late 1920. These final three vessels were initially to be named Suzuka, Otonase, and Minase until November 1921. Design The Nagara class was the second class of light cruisers in the Imperial Japanese Navy based on a standardized 5,500 ton displacement. In terms of dimensions and performance, it is almost identical to the previous s; however, it was the first class of cruisers to be equipped with the new Type 93 Long Lance Torpedoes, which required a larger launcher. The Nagara class used the same hull, engine, and armaments layout as the Kuma class. The Nagara-class hull design was based on a 5,500 ton nominal displacement, with a high freeboard and light bridge structure, behind which was a tripod mast with the fire control platform and two searchlights, the same as the Kuma class. The propulsion system for the Nagara class was based on four axial deceleration turbines with 12 boilers, providing . Ten boilers were designed to burn heavy oil, and the remaining two burned a mixture of coal and oil. The Nagara-class vessels were capable of , and a range of at . The main battery consisted of seven 14 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns in individual gun turrets, (two fore, three after and one on either side of the bridge). The positioning meant that only six of the guns could be brought to bear in a broadside. As with the Kuma class, the Nagara class remained highly deficient in anti-aircraft protection, with only