Hiryu is a name that can refer to various subjects, including a Japanese word meaning "flying dragon." It is often associated with Japanese culture, particularly in literature and folklore, where dragons symbolize power and wisdom. In a military context, Hiryu was also the name of a Japanese aircraft carrier used during World War II. Commissioned in 1939, it played a significant role in naval battles, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. The carrier was eventually sunk in 1942 during the Battle of Midway, marking a pivotal moment in the war.