[1] The Akizuki class was built using the newly developed Type 98 dual-purpose guns in four twin mounts as its main battery.

Unlike the larger weapons mounted by the preceding Kagerō class, these were true dual-purpose guns reloadable at any elevation and with a high reliability, rate of fire and range.

Unlike previous Japanese destroyer designs, there were two separate engine and boiler rooms for increased survivability in battle.

Later units of the Fuyutsuki and Michitsuki subclasses were completed to a simplified hull shape to decrease production time.

Another slightly larger group of 16 ships to an improved design of 2,933 tons was authorized in the 1942 Additional Naval Armaments Supplement Programme (as #770 to #785).

Main differences from the Akizuki class were simplified bow design, removed rear deck house, and fitted two-dimensional air inlet for boilers.

[9][10] The start of 1943 saw Akizuki crippled by a torpedo from the submarine USS Nautilus, forcing her into three months of repair, followed by a large service of troop and supply transport missions to support the Solomon Islands.

In July, Niizuki was involved in the battle of Kula Gulf, during which she torpedoed and sank the destroyer USS Strong at nearly 22,000 yards, but the next day was sunk by US cruiser gunfire with most of her crew.

[11] Later that November, Wakatsuki engaged a US cruiser-destroyer group at the battle of the Empress Augusta Bay, before surviving the bombing of Rabaul.

With the start of 1944, Suzutsuki was hit by two torpedoes from the submarine USS Sturgeon which blew off both her bow and stern, but managed to stay afloat and was towed to repairs, which lasted until October, upon which she was immediately hit by another torpedo from the submarine USS Besugo which blew off her bow again, forcing her into another month of repairs.

Shortly afterwards, Fuyutsuki was damaged by a torpedo from the submarine USS Trepang, while in November, Wakatsuki was sunk by US carrier aircraft at the battle of Ormoc Bay.

In stark contrast, Suzutsuki and Fuyutsuki escorted battleship Yamato during Operation Ten Go, during which they were attacked by 386 carrier aircraft.