Kantai Collection, often abbreviated as KanColle, is a Japanese free-to-play web browser game developed by DMM.com and KADOKAWA. Released in 2013, it features anthropomorphized representations of World War II naval ships, known as ship girls. Players collect and organize these characters to engage in naval battles and complete missions. The game gained immense popularity, leading to various adaptations, including anime, manga, and novels. The Kantai Collection franchise has expanded to include merchandise, video games, and even music albums, creating a dedicated fanbase. Its unique blend of history and character design has made it a notable part of Japanese pop culture.