A streamlined version of the Fubuki-class destroyer that maintains combat effectiveness comparable to her predecessors while adhering to the constraints of the London Naval Treaty. The ship initially featured a standard turret configuration, but she later underwent an upgrade—one of the forward twin-gun turrets was removed to enhance the ships stability. Hatsuharu was laid down in May 1931 and entered service in February 1933 as part of Destroyer Division 21. The destroyer was deployed with the invasion force for the Dutch East Indies, engaged in the Aleutians campaign, and fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.