Construction of the advanced Fubuki-class destroyers was authorized as part of the Imperial Japanese Navy's expansion program from fiscal 1923, intended to give Japan a qualitative edge with the world's most modern ships.

After returning to Yokosuka Naval Arsenal for maintenance in March 1942, Akatsuki was reassigned to northern operations, and deployed from Ōminato Guard District in support of Admiral Boshiro Hosogaya’s Northern Force in the Aleutians campaign, patrolling waters around Kiska and Attu during June and July, and towing the damaged Hibiki from Kiska back to Paramushiro in the Chishima Islands.

[15] After maintenance at Yokosuka in late July, Akatsuki was reassigned as escort for the new aircraft carriers Zuihō and Unyō, which it accompanied to Truk, and missions in the Solomon Islands and back to Kure Naval District.

Three weeks later, Akatsuki returned to "Ironbottom Sound" as part of a powerful bombardment force built around the battleships Hiei and Kirishima.

[17][18] Soon after illuminating Atlanta, she was heavily hit by American gunfire and sank early in the action near Savo Island at position 09°17′S 159°56′E / 9.283°S 159.933°E / -9.283; 159.933, with the loss of all but 18 crewmen (out of a total complement of 197), who were later captured by U.S.