Hiryuu
Hiryuu is a fleet aircraft carrier shipgirl from the browser game Kantai Collection. Modeled after the Imperial Japanese Navy's lead ship of the Hiryuu-class aircraft carriers, she is assigned to the Second Carrier Division. Known for her bold, resolute spirit, she stands firm in battle and is determined to fight through any crisis even if she is the last surviving ship.
Overview
Hiryuu is a fleet aircraft carrier shipgirl from the browser game Kantai Collection. Modeled after the Imperial Japanese Navy's lead ship of the Hiryuu-class aircraft carriers, she is assigned to the Second Carrier Division. Known for her bold, resolute spirit, she stands firm in battle and is determined to fight through any crisis even if she is the last surviving ship.
Appearance
Hiryuu has short brown hair with a prominent cowlick on the right side and brown eyes. She wears an orange-yellow kimono top with wide sleeves paired with a green hakama styled as a miniskirt, along with white socks and sandals equipped with rudders. As an archer, she wears a yugake glove and holds a Japanese longbow. Her rigging consists of a quiver carried on her back and a flight deck mounted on her left arm. Upon reaching her Kai Ni form, she dons a white headband (hachimaki).
Personality
Bright and lively, Hiryuu possesses an energetic and active personality. In combat, she balances bold initiative with a cautious warning against overconfidence. She takes a spartan approach to training, yet off the battlefield, she is a massive glutton who loves to move around and eat hearty meals, though she occasionally worries about gaining weight. She holds immense respect and fondness for her historical commander, Yamaguchi Tamon, frequently mentioning his name.
Abilities
As a fleet aircraft carrier, Hiryuu operates carrier-based aircraft—including fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers—to execute airstrikes and reconnaissance. Compared to other fleet carriers, she possesses high evasion and luck stats. Upon her Kai Ni upgrade, her firepower, armor, durability, and aircraft payload capacity are significantly increased, making her a high-performing combatant.
Background
The historical aircraft carrier Hiryuu was launched in 1937 and commissioned in 1939. She played active roles in early Pacific War operations, including the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Indian Ocean raid. During the Battle of Midway in 1942, after her sister carriers were incapacitated, she launched decisive counterattacks before eventually being scuttled. In Kantai Collection, she is an early-implemented fleet carrier and became the first of her class to receive a Kai Ni upgrade in June 2014.
Relationships
Hiryuu shares a deep bond with her Second Carrier Division partner, Souryuu, regarding her almost as a counterpart to herself. Akagi and Kaga of the First Carrier Division serve as her senior colleagues. The destroyers Makigumo and Kazagumo share historical ties with her as the escort ships present during her final moments. Additionally, she holds deeply affectionate respect for her historical commander, Rear Admiral Yamaguchi Tamon.
Trivia
The historical Hiryuu was one of only two aircraft carriers in the world—alongside Akagi—to feature an island superstructure positioned on the port side. Her line warning against overconfidence ('Manshin wa dame, zettai') is widely recognized among players as a famous reference to avoiding historical oversights.
