Japanese aircraft carriers were naval vessels designed to deploy and recover aircraft, playing a crucial role in maritime warfare. The most notable carriers included the Yamato class and the Shōkaku class, which were used extensively during World War II. These ships allowed the Imperial Japanese Navy to project air power over vast distances, significantly impacting naval battles. The design of Japanese aircraft carriers evolved throughout the war, with an emphasis on speed and aircraft capacity. However, many of these carriers were lost in battles such as the Battle of Midway, leading to a decline in Japan's naval dominance and ultimately contributing to their defeat.