Kaga

Overview

Kaga is a character from Kantai Collection, based on the historical Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier of the same name. Serving alongside Akagi in the First Carrier Division, she acts as a central fleet aircraft carrier who delivers formidable air power and reliable tactical capability to the player.

Appearance

She features sharp brown eyes, long brown hair styled in a side ponytail, and a well-endowed bust. Her outfit derives from traditional Japanese archery gear, consisting of a white kimono top, a blue pleated skirt, a black chest guard, and a blue tasuki sash. She wears a brown apron around her waist resembling a flight deck with the katakana character Ka marked on it, paired with black thigh-high socks and platform geta footwear. Her armament includes a Japanese yumi bow, a quiver modeled after a ship's mast, and a flight deck mounted as a shield on her left arm.

Personality

Kaga presents a quiet, stoic demeanor, rarely betraying her inner feelings on her face despite harboring deep emotional intensity. She holds absolute pride in being part of the First Carrier Division, displaying calm confidence during battle. She is exceptionally devoted to Akagi, while adopting a strict but subtle protective stance toward the Fifth Carrier Division. Though she maintains a detached attitude toward the Commander at first, she gradually reveals a warm, tender loyalty as their relationship develops. She also possesses a sweet fondness for ice cream.

Abilities

In battle, Kaga functions as an elite fleet carrier with exceptional durability and enormous aircraft capacity, making her uniquely effective at securing air superiority. She uses her archery bow to launch carrier fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers. Through modernizations, she advances to Kaga Kai, and can further branch into specialized forms including Kai Ni, the night-combat-adapted Kai Ni Bo, and the anti-submarine-focused Kai Ni Go.

Background

Originally laid down as an Eight-Eight Fleet plan battleship, Kaga was converted into a large aircraft carrier following naval limitation treaties and the destruction of the Amagi. Assigned to the First Carrier Division, she took part in numerous early Pacific war campaigns and achieved significant victories before being sunk by dive bombers at the Battle of Midway in 1942. Her name was later carried on by a modern Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer.

Relationships

Kaga shares an irreplaceable bond with Akagi, whom she cherishes deeply above all others. Toward Shoukaku and Zuikaku of the Fifth Carrier Division, she frequently utters harsh words regarding their relative lack of experience, yet silently watches over their growth and trusts them in joint fleet operations. With the Commander, her initially distant and businesslike conduct softens into profound trust and quiet affection over time.

Trivia

Due to exhaust and ventilation heating issues on the historical ship, fans playfully nickname her after a roast chicken maker. She is also famous for her official character song titled Kaga Misaki, a unique enka ballad that gained widespread popularity within the game community.