Hatsushimo

Overview

Hatsushimo is a shipgirl in Kantai Collection, based on the fourth vessel of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Hatsuharu-class destroyers. Available since the game's launch, she represents a dedicated fleet escort who takes immense pride in protecting her allies. Characterized by her polite disposition and caring nature, she acts as a dependable supporting presence. In January 2015, she received her Second Remodel (Kai Ni), upgrading her with high anti-air capabilities and exceptionally high initial Luck, reflecting her historical status as a battle-hardened survivor.

Appearance

Hatsushimo features long black hair tied low at the tips with slight stray locks, along with eyes ranging in color between red and orange. Her standard attire consists of a neatly worn white shirt, red necktie, navy blue blazer, black pleated skirt, black high socks, and black shoes. In her Kai Ni form, her outfit shifts slightly as her sleeves are rolled up. Her rigging includes a back-mounted funnel with a foremast, triple torpedo tubes on both sides of her waist, a twin gun mount on her right arm, and a single gun mount on her left arm. When sustaining moderate-to-severe damage, her blazer and necktie are removed, leaving her shirt unbuttoned at the front.

Personality

Hatsushimo is courteous and composed, always treating the Admiral with respect. Deeply devoted to her comrades, she views shielding others as her primary duty and approaches combat and escort assignments with confidence and quiet determination. When sent to the docks for repairs, rather than complaining about damage, she expresses relief that she will be able to protect everyone once more. Through her hourly interactions, she demonstrates a domestic and nurturing side by skillfully preparing traditional Japanese meals for her commander and sisters. She maintains a solid professional identity and remains focused on her military responsibilities.

Abilities

In combat, Hatsushimo utilizes a twin gun mount on her right arm, a single gun mount on her left arm, and waist-mounted triple torpedo tubes for artillery and torpedo warfare. Upon undergoing her Kai Ni remodel, she gains strong anti-air capabilities designed to protect the fleet from enemy aerial assaults, alongside a very high base Luck stat of 53. Additionally, she possesses refined culinary skills, frequently preparing traditional Japanese dishes and onigiri. Historically grounded attributes in her gameplay depiction emphasize exceptional defensive maneuvers that keep damage to a minimum while acting as a communication relay via flag and light signals.

Background

Modeled after the historical destroyer completed ahead of her sister Wakaba, Hatsushimo participated in numerous major operations during the Pacific War, including the Kiska Evacuation, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, Operation Ta-Go, Operation Kita, and Operation Ten-Go. While many friendly ships were sunk, she repeatedly survived brutal encounters with minimal damage. During Operation Ten-Go, she escorted the battleship Yamato and emerged virtually unscathed while aiding in survivor rescue. Just two weeks before the end of the war in July 1945, she struck a mine in Miyazu Bay and was intentionally run aground. In Kantai Collection, she begins as a standard destroyer and received her Kai Ni form in January 2015.

Relationships

Hatsushimo shares close ties with her Hatsuharu-class sisters, including Wakaba, Hatsuharu, and Nenohi. She respectfully addresses Wakaba as her elder sister and wears a uniform styled identically to hers. In her hourly voice lines, she prepares meals for Hatsuharu and the rest of her family. Through historical operations, she maintains connections with comrades such as Yukikaze, Kasumi, Asashimo, Abukuma, and Nachi, and is acknowledged by ships like Chougei and Shimane Maru. Visually, she shares noticeable design similarities with Akatsuki and Mikazuki, who were created by the same artist, Yadokari.

Trivia

An actual anchor from the historical destroyer Hatsushimo is preserved and displayed at Yamada Memorial Hospital in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, as the hospital's founder formerly served as the ship's naval surgeon. Additionally, she holds the record for the longest continuous service within the 1st Torpedo Squadron under the 5th Fleet. In her Marriage (Kekkon Kakko Kari) scenario in the game, she initially prioritizes her professional pride over romantic interest, though she reaffirms her steadfast loyalty and affection toward the Admiral.