The Sendai-class light cruisers (川内型軽巡洋艦, Sendai-gata keijun'yōkan) were a class of three warships operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

They participated in numerous actions during the Pacific War and were mainly used as destroyer flotilla leaders.

The Sendai-class light cruisers were a development of the preceding Nagara class.

Each ship was designed with a flying-off platform and hangar, but did not actually carry aircraft until a catapult system was installed in 1929.

Four Sendai-class light cruisers were authorised to be constructed in Japan in 1921 and were laid down, but the last — Kako — was scrapped on the slipway in accordance with the regulations of the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty.