(Imperial) Japanese Navy
Historical term referring to the navy of the Empire of Japan (大日本帝国海軍). Used in historical contexts.
See also: 大日本帝国海軍
The Japanese Navy carried out the attack on Pearl Harbor.
He is researching the history of the Japanese Navy.
Full official name of the Imperial Japanese Navy; 日本海軍 is a shorter, more common reference.
The modern Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, established after WWII, distinct from the historical 日本海軍.
Compound of 日本 (Japan) and 海軍 (navy). The term specifically denotes the navy of the Empire of Japan, existing from 1868 to 1945.