noun
Imperial Japanese Navy (1872-1945)
Historical term for the navy of the Empire of Japan from its founding until its dissolution after World War II.
大日本帝国海軍は、真珠湾攻撃を行った。
The Imperial Japanese Navy carried out the attack on Pearl Harbor.
祖父は大日本帝国海軍の軍人だった。
My grandfather was a serviceman in the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The modern Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, established in 1954, which succeeded the Imperial Japanese Navy after its dissolution.
Compound of 大日本帝国 (Empire of Japan) and 海軍 (navy). The term was used officially from the Meiji period until 1945.