Hamakaze
Hamakaze is a shipgirl from Kantai Collection, representing the 13th vessel of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Kagerou-class destroyers. Serving as a key member of the 17th Destroyer Division, she is characterized by her earnest, military-minded disposition and unwavering sense of duty toward safeguarding her fleet members. Introduced to the game in March 2014, she stands out among her class for her protective instincts, distinct combat capabilities, and dedicated escort mindset. She fulfills her naval assignments with quiet efficiency and deep commitment.
Overview
Hamakaze is a shipgirl from Kantai Collection, representing the 13th vessel of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Kagerou-class destroyers. Serving as a key member of the 17th Destroyer Division, she is characterized by her earnest, military-minded disposition and unwavering sense of duty toward safeguarding her fleet members. Introduced to the game in March 2014, she stands out among her class for her protective instincts, distinct combat capabilities, and dedicated escort mindset. She fulfills her naval assignments with quiet efficiency and deep commitment.
Appearance
Hamakaze has silver hair styled in an asymmetrical bob with a gold hair clip on the left, leaving her right eye hidden under her bangs, alongside blue eyes and a noticeably chesty build. Her default outfit consists of a short-sleeved sailor shirt with a yellow neckerchief, a grey pleated skirt, white gloves, black tights, and blocky engine footwear. Her back rigging is a vertical box containing two funnels, a mast, and a bridge-shaped top. She holds a 12.7cm twin gun mount like a pistol in her right hand, a 25mm twin anti-aircraft gun in her left, and wears quad torpedo tubes at her waist. In her B Kai form, her posture is more upright, her back rigging expands, and her main weapon becomes a 10cm twin high-angle gun. Her seasonal outfits include a Valentine apron with a yellow headscarf and oven mitts holding a tray of cookies, as well as an autumn yukata.
Personality
Hamakaze is exceptionally serious, disciplined, and dedicated to her duties. Bearing a stern military attitude, she carries deep remorse over her historical inability to protect the battleships Kongou and Shinano, which drives her to push herself relentlessly to safeguard her current comrades. She deeply values her squadmates in the 17th Destroyer Division, maintaining a close friendship with Isokaze, to whom she provides cooking lessons. Although she maintains a professional and respectful stance toward the Admiral, seasonal occasions reveal a softer, more sensitive side as she shyly expresses her gratitude and care through heartfelt gifts.
Abilities
Hamakaze uniquely begins with a Type 94 depth charge projector alongside her 12.7cm twin gun mount, a rare starting feature among destroyers. Upon her Level 30 remodel, she gains a 25mm triple anti-aircraft gun and a Type 22 surface radar. Reaching Level 67 unlocks her B Kai form, which enhances her firepower and anti-air performance. In this configuration, equipping compatible high-angle guns alongside anti-air radars enables her to perform a dedicated anti-air cut-in attack. She also receives specialized attribute bonuses when equipped with items such as the Type 13 air-radar Kai or the Type 3 SONAR.
Background
Hamakaze was introduced to Kantai Collection during the game update on March 28, 2014. Her character design is inspired by the historical Imperial Japanese Navy Kagerou-class destroyer of the same name, which served within the 17th Destroyer Division and participated in key fleet operations and escort duties throughout World War II. Within the game, alongside her initial capabilities and standard remodel, she received a specialized anti-air upgrade option known as Hamakaze B Kai on March 23, 2018, expanding her operational role.
Relationships
Hamakaze maintains strong ties with her fellow members of the 17th Destroyer Division, including Isokaze, Urakaze, Tanikaze, and Yukikaze. She shares a particularly close bond with Isokaze, frequently offering her personal guidance in culinary arts. She holds a profound sense of responsibility toward the battleships Kongou and Shinano due to her historical connection to their protection. Toward the Admiral, she presents a polite and professional demeanor while showing underlying affection and care through her subtle actions during special occasions.
Trivia
Her character design was illustrated by Parsley. Due to her distinctive asymmetrical bob cut covering one eye, fans often compare her visual design to characters like Mash Kyrielight from Fate/Grand Order and Rem from Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-. Additionally, a historical parallel exists in Japanese railway history, where the Japanese National Railways limited express train named Hamakaze inherited technological and operational ties from the Shinano express service through the KiHa 181 series diesel train.
