Aotaka (蒼鷹, Blue Hawk)[1] was the second vessel in the Hatsutaka class of medium-sized minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which was in service during World War II.

However, during the Pacific War, due to the critical shortage of patrol ships for convoy escort duties, she was fitted with depth charge racks and her minelaying rails were removed.

Under the Maru-3 Supplemental Armaments Budget of 1937, the Imperial Japanese Navy authorized a two vessels of a new class of minelayer (Project number H12) primarily for coastal duties.

On March 10, Aotaka was reassigned to the Second Southern Expeditionary Fleet, spending much of the rest of the year escorting convoys between Surabaya, and Singapore, from its base at Makassar.

After arriving safely, on September 21, approximately 200 aircraft from United States Navy Task Force 38 raided Manila Bay; however, Aotaka avoided any damage.