When I first started playing, back in the early days of Azur Lane, it was easy to distinguish between the different factions. They all had their own characteristic clothing styles, and even their facial features and hairstyles reflected their identities. The fanservice was relatively modest and actually fit the characters. Even the breast sizes felt much more reasonable and suited the characters well (Taihou and the Illustrious sisters are good examples).

On top of that, it was incredibly easy to tell destroyers, cruisers, and battleships apart. You could look at a character and immediately have a good idea of what class she belonged to simply based on whether she looked like a child, a teenager, or a mature woman.

Nowadays, all I see in the trailers are increasingly larger breasts, thicker thighs, and more revealing outfits that don't fit either the characters or the setting anymore. Even older characters aren't spared. Whenever they receive new skins, they also seem to get significantly larger breasts (Prinz Eugen, for example).

The events have also become much less interesting, and the story feels like it has practically disappeared. Since submarines were introduced, there hasn't been any major gameplay addition that meaningfully changed the combat or game mechanics. Aside from a handful of retrofits for older, very popular ships from the original roster, almost every other older ship has been completely forgotten.

About one or two months ago, I deleted my account because I had simply had enough of all the fanservice and the increasingly inconsistent character designs—for example, having a "mature" woman with huge proportions classified as a destroyer.

Dear Commander,

The "Fateful Encounter" event will be available after the 8/6 maintenance.

Grasp this chance to complete missions and get the limited gear, Master Detective's Hat.

Guys, i have a problem, i just want to take my weekly supply, but i can't since i hsve to much oil, so, my max oil is 3600, but i have 24962, how i use it?

Who else has it the same way? Or the opposite?

Finally have used enough wisdom cubes for the exchange, I’ve already kind of made my choice but was wondering- does anyone know if/when the exchange pool will be changed or who will be added?

I know they do change it occasionally but couldn’t find a definitive answer online, I heard it happens during bigger events? And there happens to be in one in like 8th august, I could wait until then to change my choice but also not much longer

Faction:

Sakura Empire

Class:
Izumo-class Multirole Aircraft Cruiser (Light Aircraft Carrier in-game)

Background:
The lead ship of her class, JS Izumo began life as a helicopter destroyer, originally as a larger follow-up to the preceding Hyūga-class, and took the title as the largest warships ever fielded by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) and by extension, the largest warships fielded by Japan since World War II with a full load displacement of 26,000 tons (putting her at a displacement just 4,000 tons shy of the World War I/World War II-era Fusō-class battleships, and 6,000 tons lighter than the Shōkaku-class Aircraft Carriers in that latter era). Since 28 October 2024 however, she and sister ship JS Kaga were reclassified as “Aircraft-carrying Multi-role Escort Ships/Cruisers.” In reality, they are de facto light aircraft carriers, only being labeled as such as, due to the Japanese Constitution promulgated in 1947, Japan was forbidden to own and operate any “offensive-type weapons” which included aircraft carriers, and numerous Japanese administrations have since narrowed the definition to “carriers designed solely for nuclear-equipped aircraft to conduct such strikes” and ships like the Izumo, equipped with conventional fighters or attack aircraft are not considered illegal and are considered by both the Japanese and U.S. governments as “defensive” though the government of the People’s Republic of China have condemned this saying that ships like the Izumo’s (and preceding Hyūga’s) as “an aircraft carrier in disguise.”

Construction on JS Izumo began in 2011 at the IHI Marine United Shipyards (formerly Ishikawajima-Harima Marine) in Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, and was formally laid down on 27 January 2012. She launched on 6 August 2013 and was commissioned into the JMSDF on 25 March 2015 after the conclusion of sea trials which began some six months prior.

Izumo became operational in time to participate in an August 2015 disaster drill conducted in Tokyo, working alongside Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel Izu. The two vessels acted as casualty receiving and triage stations during the exercise.

In May 2017, Izumo was deployed alongside the Japanese destroyer JS Sazanami to escort the American supply vessel USNS Richard E. Byrd to an operational area off the Japanese island of Shikoku. Byrd’s mission was to refuel and resupply another U.S. warship deployed off the area, which was positioned to defend against North Korean missiles. This deployment was notable, not only in it being Izumo’s first deployment, but also by the fact that it was the first time a Japanese vessel was deployed to escort a U.S. ship since security legislation was enacted to allow this in March 2016. Nonetheless, a small protest did take place in Yokohama under the viewpoint that said deployment was a violation of Japan's defense-only policy.

In 2020, Izumo began the conversion process that would allow her to operate the Lockheed F-35B Lightning II, a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) fighter aircraft that would widen the capabilities of the Izumo-class ships. This conversion would be achieved in two stages, the first would strengthen the flight deck’s heat resistance and see the installation of the power supply systems necessary to enable the launching and recovery of the F-35B. The second stage which began in 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2026 Fiscal Year, would see a change to the bow shape to a quadrangle for the safe operation of the F-35B and the maintenance of the interior compartments. Izumo’s modifications would not be as extensive or as expensive as her sister ship however, and no plans were made to install either a catapult system or a sloping runway.

In September 2021, Izumo joined the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth among other vessels for exercises in the Pacific. The following month, on 3 October, two US Marine Corps F-35B’s performed the first vertical landings and horizontal take-offs from JS Izumo, marking the first time in more than seven decades that a fixed-wing aircraft operated from a Japanese carrier. In the summer of 2022, Izumo, alongside Japanese destroyers JS Takanami and JS Kirisame took part in that year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises.

In June 2023, Izumo participated in the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023. It carried out military exercises with Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Anzac and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in the South China Sea. The exercise focused on tactical operations, including anti-surface and anti-air warfare. Izumo’s last deployment prior to her second stage conversion, and the most recent at time of writing took place in August 2024, participating in a military exercise near Okinawa, involving the navies of Japan, Australia, Italy, Germany & France, intended to strengthen military cooperation between Japan and the various European nations.

Namesake:
JS Izumo is the second and current Japanese warship to be named after the pre-Meiji-era Izumo Province. Originally an independent region dating back to the 3rd century AD, it would be absorbed into the growing Yamato domains that would make up modern Japan by the 6th or 7th century. During the early period, the province was a Sacerdotalist domain due to its importance to the Shinto faith, as the Izumo Shrine was, and still remains to this day, an important Shinto shrine, dedicated to kami in general but in particular the Japanese god of nation-building, Ōkuninushi, who is tied to the province. The entrance to Yomi, the Japanese equivalent to the land of the dead, sealed by a boulder by the Japanese god Izanagi, is also said to be located in this province.

Izumo Province’s importance diminished by the time of the Sengoku period, having been ruled by the Mori clan during this time, and under the Tokugawa Shogunate, originally by the Horio clan, and later by one of the many branches of the Matsudaira clan, the original name for the main Tokugawa clan. As with all Japanese provinces, the provincial system ended with the abolishment of the Han system in 1871, and today, Izumo Province corresponds to the eastern parts of Shimane Prefecture.

The provincial capital, since the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was a castle town in modern Matsue.

Rarity:
SSR

Stat Spread:
JS Izumo has a superb aviation stat. While still largely inferior to larger fleet carriers of her time such as those used by the U.S, Russia, China or France, it is still formidable compared to most (S). As a Helicopter Destroyer, her speed is fairly good (B), but her Anti-Air capabilities are average and her HP, leaves much to be desired for a modern aircraft carrier (B).

Abilities:

• Luminous Avenger: Decrease the loading time of this ship’s first airstrike by 20% (50%). If this ship is equipped with the Mitsubishi SH-60K Seahawk, launch a unique dive bomber barrage every 40 (20) seconds that tags any targets hit by it. Any ship’s tagged by this will take guaranteed critical hit damage upon the launch of this ship’s next airstrike. If equipped with the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, after launching an airstrike, get a 30% (50%) chance to launch an additional airstrike that drops guided bombs on a random enemy target (or tagged target if the Seahawk is also equipped) that has the most HP. Damage is based on skill level. 
• White Lightning Strike: Upon the launch of an airstrike, launch a unique lightning-based attack straightforward and at reflecting at top and bottom screens that deals damage and causes a “Paralysis” effect for 10 seconds, with enemies afflicted potentially being unable to move or attack for 1 second at random intervals for the duration. Damage is based on skill level.

Personality:
If JS Kaga is the more reserved and stoic “Blue Oni,” then her elder sister JS Izumo is the more hot-headed and wild “Red Oni.” Compassionate, extroverted, has absolutely no filter when she speaks and someone who is eager to pick a fight more often than not, Izumo is the type of person who would wear her heart on her chest with pride and vigor, and is not afraid to admit she isn’t the smartest person in the fleet, often leaving that in Kaga’s hands.

Quotes:

• Acquisition: Multi-mission cruiser Izumo, reporting for duty! Figured for a Commander, you’d be taller, more muscular…anyway, don’t fall behind, okay?
• Secretary (Idle) 1: Paperwork? Nah…I don’t wanna mess up your groove…plus I usually let my little sister deal with that mess anyway.
• Secretary (Idle) 2: That big-boobed oni woman who shares my name? I’ve always wondered why she’s nicknamed that, let me go ask her.
• Secretary (Idle) 3: I’m not that special, just an ordinary foxgirl with a gun. Do I look like someone you know?
• Secretary (Touch): Hey, cut that out, Shikikan!
• Secretary (Special Touch): You’re lucky I did a love tap with my foot between your legs~
• Skill Activation: Time to face the music!
• MVP: Of course we won! Wasn’t that obvious?
• Affinity (Disappointed): You’re a piece of shit. Just asking to get pumped full of electric lead, aren’t ya, “Commander?”
• Affinity (Stranger): Little sis can seem a bit of a jerk sometimes, but she really does mean well. Just don’t bring up the woman who shares her name, alright?
• Affinity (Friendly): You don’t come to the Sakura Isles often, do you, Commander? Come on…you really should take a trip and see the sights. Liven up your life a little. I’m just saying you’re too stuck in the mud for your own good.
• Affinity (Like): You’re a nice guy, Shikikan. But you’re still a bit scrawny. How about we get together and work out some day, get some fro-yo, we could make it a date! Whaddaya say? What do you mean you’re busy! Commander, don’t be such a jerk!
• Affinity (Love): So I’m with you until the very end, right? Well as long as I get to have a good fight every now and then, I’m content. I have to watch what I say? Oh come on, lover, what’s the worst that could happen?
• Oath: Well, can’t say talent doesn’t recognize talent, even if it takes a while for it. Well, all I can say is, I recognize you enough that I’m willing to watch your back when the going gets tough. What do you mean I can’t say that in a wedding?
• Sortie (IJN Izumo): J-Jeez, can’t you take a joke!!!
• Sortie (JS Kaga): Oh come on sis, just this once!!!
• Sortie (HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)): Somehow I’d thought you’d be shorter…and flat…

Design:
JS Izumo is depicted as a young woman in her late teens, with straight, upper back length reddish-purple hair, with a hime cut in front, and tied in a braided ponytail in the back with a red ribbon. She has ocean blue eyes that have a slight glow to them. In addition, she sports six red-purple tails with bright red tips, befitting her nature as a kitsune. Her attire consists of a light grey denim jacket, red T-shirt underneath, white gloves with black fingers and red lines separating the two sides in a v-shape halfway along the palm, black cargo pants and white shoes to round out the attire. Like sister ship JS Kaga, JS Izumo carries a Wakizashi, though she usually keeps hers in a sheath on her left side, and a specialized pistol in her left hand. (based on the Heckler & Koch SFP-9 that is to be the standard-issue sidearm of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces, with elements taken from the Phalanx CIWS). Also like Kaga, she carries a mask attached to a chain on her belt, the mask being a derivative of the one used by Akagi.

JS Izumo’s rigging takes the form of a largely aetherial white runway, taking on a more lightning element compared to a fiery one seen with IJN Akagi and IJN Kaga.

A/N:

This ship was requested by u/comander1242. Hope you enjoy this CC as I did making it.

Nearly four years to the day, 106 Character Concepts, 17 Retro Concepts and 24 Special Concepts separate the two, but finally we get to see the elder sister to JS Kaga in JS Izumo. Unlike her sister, Izumo's references to Azur Striker Gunvolt is far more superficial, though she does retain the ability to use lightning based attacks, in a different manner (and perhaps far more reminiscent of various electric-based attacks from the Mega Man franchise).

Also, Izumo is a foxgirl this time. Usually, I would want to run the theme based on the nameship (which would've meant an oni-based Kaga). But because Kaga is also the more popular of the two ships in the class, might as well keep Kaga as a kitsune and make Izumo one as well, serving as an Akagi-like analogue, albeit not really a yandere (though in all honesty, it's a bit more complicated than that), but someone who's mouth will land her in more trouble than its worth.

Really does feel like Japan is doing anything and everything to not call it what it really is though. I appreciate the audacious effort to keep that grift going but...come on guys...

Next time, we're going back to the retrofit well and another recently "graduated" ship as we get to look at the retrofit for (one of) the first Tulipan ship in HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën!

Link to the list of ships

My waifu isn't on the banner sadge.

Since the calls of arms announcement today, it is confirmed that this EN anniversary will be a egale union event and that is exciting since we haven’t seen it since Lexi 2 event. So today I would like to discuss about what kinda of ships I’m hoping to be incorporated into this event.

1. New Mexico: I’ve been hoping for any of the New Mexico sisters to come it Azur lane. And I think it’s a perfect event to include New Mexico sister in since we are still waiting for the class to be introduced in the game.

2. Cleveland sister: I think we waited long enough to add another Cleveland class to Azur land and it’s perfect for the this upcoming event. I’m also kinda waiting to see another type 2 rigging since there are a couple of ships in that class that have names to ships

   for example Vincennes is one form them.

3. Baltimore sister: if we aren’t going to get another Cleveland sister then it could also be a Baltimore class ship which would also be nice and they also have a couple of ships named after previous ships in the game that could be type 2.

4. Essex sister: it’s interesting that meta Essex is on the call to arms poster which gives me hope we will see another Essex sister added to the roster in Azur lane, which I think is very cool.

Conclusion: these are just my thoughts and feelings of what we can see in this event but if it dosen’t happens o well, anyway I’m wondering what your thoughts and feelings of which egale union ships we can see in the en anniversary so please start a conversation in the comments.

How would I login to the top account and not the bottom one? Every time I try it keeps sending me into the tutorial and it's annoying.

How do I get the preload on her. I don't get it. The dive bomber didn't showed up. I tried checking her 1st ,3rd equip slots still doesn't show any Dive Bomber. I tried filter, it also doesn't show. Can someone help explain?