[3] Plans for an additional six ships were later abandoned in favor of a series of medium-sized (5500 ton class) cruisers, based on an enlarged version of the Tenryū design.

The Tenryū-class vessels, termed "small-model" (or "3,500-Ton") cruisers, were designed as fast flotilla leaders for the Imperial Navy's new first- and second-class destroyers.

[3] The hull design resembled enlarged destroyers, with a high ratio of length to width (11.28:1) and a raised bow deck.

This was followed by a stepped hull, housing a triple torpedo launcher on the centerline, followed by a narrow amidships superstructure forming the base for three relatively low smokestacks.

The armor protection for the hull was weak, designed primarily against the 102 mm weapons used on contemporary United States Navy destroyers.

[2] In 1930 (Tenryū) and in 1933 (Tatsuta), the ships were renovated with a modified bow superstructure, replacing the canvas sides of the bridge with steel plate, and lowering the mast for increased stability.

In July 1937, two Type 93 13 mm AA machine guns in single mounts were added on platforms near the first smokestack.

Since both vessels were regarded as second-line units by the time of World War II, wartime modifications were minor.

Prior to World War II, she participated in the Siberian Intervention, Yangtze River patrols and supported the landings of Japanese troops along the China coast.

Prior to World War II, she participated in the Siberian Intervention, and supported the landings of Japanese troops along the China coast.

She was sunk while bound for Saipan by USS Sand Lance, 40 nautical miles (74 km) NNE of Hachijōjima on 13 March 1944.