The ship also served as a testbed for an enormously powerful, high-temperature, high-pressure steam turbine that was able to develop 79,240 shp (59,090 kW).

However, the complexity of the design, coupled with the lack of industrial capacity and resources during the Pacific War, prevented these plans from being realized.

[2] The main battery used on the Yugumo-class of six Type 3 127 mm 50 caliber naval guns in three twin-gun turrets, one superfiring pair aft and one turret forward of the superstructure, was retained as well as the anti-aircraft battery of two twin-mount Type 96 AA guns, and anti-submarine capability of 18 depth charges.

From 20 April to 12 June, she was part of the escort to the Yamato and Maya from Kure to Manila, followed by Biak to cover the aborted evacuation of Japanese forces.

Overloaded with survivors, she stayed at the rear of the fleet during the Battle off Samar and was unable to use her vaunted torpedo broadside.

[3] On 4 November, Shimakaze was appointed flagship of Destroyer Squadron 2 under the command of Rear Admiral Mikio Hayakawa, and assigned to escort a troop convoy from Manila to Ormoc.

[3] Shimakaze was discovered by a Paul Allen-led expedition aboard RV Petrel in Ormoc Bay on 1 December 2017, 715 ft (218 m) below the surface.