Houshou
Houshou is a shipgirl in Kantai Collection representing the Imperial Japanese Navy's first dedicated aircraft carrier. Affectionately nicknamed Okan (Mother) and recognized as the mother of all carriers, she occupies a comforting, maternal central role within the fleet.
Overview
Houshou is a shipgirl in Kantai Collection representing the Imperial Japanese Navy's first dedicated aircraft carrier. Affectionately nicknamed Okan (Mother) and recognized as the mother of all carriers, she occupies a comforting, maternal central role within the fleet.
Appearance
Houshou features long black hair tied into a ponytail and small breasts. Her outfit consists of a pink kimono top with sleeves bound by a tasuki, paired with a dark blue hakama skirt, white pantyhose, and footwear styled after ship rudders. Her equipment includes a flight deck attached to her left arm, a quiver worn on her back, and a bow.
Personality
Houshou possesses a gentle, deeply nurturing demeanor, acting as a caring mother figure to the Admiral, fellow shipgirls, and recruits alike. She exhibits strong domestic attentiveness, expressing concern over practical matters such as managing laundry and keeping food fresh. Her calm and considerate nature makes her a reassuring presence around the naval base.
Abilities
Houshou combat capabilities center on launching aircraft through her Japanese bow in coordination with the flight deck equipped on her left arm. In game mechanics, she plays a specialized role in missions centered around carrier aircraft proficiency, reflecting her capacity to train aircrews and optimize flight groups for fleet operations.
Background
Historically completed in 1921, Houshou was the world's first vessel built from the ground up as a dedicated aircraft carrier to be commissioned. She served as a training ship to instruct aircrews, and following World War II, served as a repatriation transport bringing military personnel and civilians back home before her scrapping in 1947. In Kantai Collection, this legacy establishes her as the foundational figure among all aircraft carriers.
Relationships
Houshou is held in high esteem by carrier shipgirls such as Akagi, Kaga, and Katsuragi, who view her as a senior matriarch. She maintains a motherly relationship with the Admiral as well as younger shipgirls and heavy units like Yamato. Her caring behavior makes her a beloved guardian throughout the entire harbor.
Trivia
While Houshou was the world's first purpose-built carrier completed, HMS Hermes was laid down earlier, and converted carriers like HMS Furious preceded her. She shares historical parallels in Japanese industrial technology with the Class 8620 steam locomotives. Among fans, she is widely depicted as the host of Izakaya Houshou, a concept inspired by in-game line references from ships like Chitose.
