Kuma

Info

球磨 (くま)		Kuma
39
Kuma Class Light Cruiser

HP	25→29	FP	14→49
ARM	10→29	TORP	24→89
EVA	36→79	AA	13→59
PLA	2	ASW	19→59
SPD	Fast	LOS	8→39
RGE	Medium	LUK	12→49

Aircraft	Equipment
1	14cm Single Gun Mount
1	Type 0 Reconnaissance Seaplane
	-Locked-
	-Locked-

Modernization	0 1 0 2
Build Time	1:00 (Normal)	Remodel Req
Consumption	25 25	Dismantle	2 2 10 0
Illustrator	UGUME	Seiyuu	Sakura Ayane

球磨改 (くまかい)		Kuma Kai
39
Kuma Class Light Cruiser

HP	42→48	FP	20→69
ARM	29→69	TORP	24→89
EVA	40→79	AA	15→69
PLA	3	ASW	24→79
SPD	Fast	LOS	10→49
RGE	Medium	LUK	12→59

Aircraft	Equipment
1	14cm Single Gun Mount
1	61cm Quadruple (Oxygen) Torpedo Mount
1	Type 0 Reconnaissance Seaplane
	-Locked-

Modernization	2 1 1 2
Remodel Level	20	Remodel Req	200 200
Consumption	25 30	Dismantle	2 2 10 0
Illustrator	UGUME	Seiyuu	Sakura Ayane

球磨改二 (くまかいに)		Kuma Kai Ni
452
Kuma Class Light Cruiser

HP	46→52	FP	22→70
ARM	29→70	TORP	32→92
EVA	42→82	AA	32→80
PLA	3	ASW	40→80
SPD	Fast	LOS	13→58
RGE	Short	LUK	16→86

Aircraft	Equipment
1	-Unequipped-
1	-Unequipped-
1	-Unequipped-
	-Locked-

Modernization	1 2 2 3
Remodel Level	88	Remodel Req	550 880 1 55 55
Consumption	25 35	Dismantle	2 2 11 0
Illustrator	UGUME	Seiyuu	Sakura Ayane

球磨改二丁 (くまかいにてい)		Kuma Kai Ni D
457
Kuma Class Light Cruiser

HP	46→52	FP	17→67
ARM	29→70	TORP	0→84
EVA	41→81	AA	35→84
PLA	0	ASW	48→84
SPD	Fast	LOS	13→53
RGE	Short	LUK	16→86

Aircraft	Equipment
0	-Unequipped-
0	-Unequipped-
0	-Unequipped-
	-Locked-

Reversible to Kuma Kai Ni
Modernization	1 2 2 3
Remodel Level	88	Remodel Req	240 360 30 15
Consumption	25 35	Dismantle	2 2 11 0
Illustrator	UGUME	Seiyuu	Sakura Ayane
Reversion Level	88	Reversion Req	440 160 30 15

Gameplay Notes

Special Mechanics

Able to convert between Kai Ni and Kai Ni D.
Able to carry seaplane bombers, seaplane fighters and autogyros at Kai Ni.
Able to equip midget torpedoes, landing crafts, and tanks at Kai Ni D.
Unable to equip any seaplanes or torpedoes at Kai Ni D.

Overview

High firepower, torpedo, and armour.
Average ASW and HP.

Fit Bonuses

[edit]Kuma Kai Ni D Equipment Bonuses
Equipment	Extra Requirement								Note
12.7cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2	(1st equipped)	+2		+2					One-time
12.7cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2	+ Surface Radar	+2						+3	One-time
12.7cm Twin High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2		+3
	(1st equipped)			+2					One-time
	+ Surface Radar	+3						+4	One-time
Bofors 15.2cm Twin Gun Mount Model 1930		+1		+1
5inch Twin Dual-purpose Gun Mount (Concentrated Deployment) OR GFCS Mk.37 + 5inch Twin Dual-purpose Gun Mount (Concentrated Deployment)		-3		-2				-6
Type D Kouhyouteki Kai (Kouryuu Kai)			+1					-2
Elite Torpedo Squadron Command Facility	(1st equipped)	+5	+4					+4	One-time
Skilled Lookouts		+1	+2			+3		+2
Torpedo Squadron Skilled Lookouts						+3		+2
	(1st equipped) (★0-3)	+3	+3						One-time
	(1st equipped) (★4-7)	+4	+3						One-time
	(1st equipped) (★8-MAX)	+4	+4						One-time
Ship-Type Bonuses
12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model C Kai 3 H	+ Air Radar			+2				+2	One-time
	(2nd equipped) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
	(3rd equipped) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
12cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Model E Kai	(★2-3)			+1
	(★4-5)			+1				+2
	(★6-7)	+1		+1				+2
	(★8-9)	+1		+2				+2
	(★MAX)	+1		+2			+1	+2
	(★2-MAX) + Surface Radar	+1						+1	One-time
	(★2-MAX) + Air Radar			+2				+1	One-time
Passive Radiolocator (E27) + Type 22 Surface Radar Kai 4 (Calibrated Late Model)	(1st equipped) (★7)						+1		One-time
	(1st equipped) (★8)						+1	+1	One-time
	(1st equipped) (★9)	+1					+1	+1	One-time
	(1st equipped) (★MAX)	+1					+2	+1	One-time
	+ ★3+ 12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model D Kai 2 OR ★3+ 12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model D Kai 3	+1					+1		One-time
	+ ★4+ Type 13 Air Radar Kai (Late Model)	+1		+4			+1	+3	One-time
Type 42 Air Radar Kai 2								-7
Type 2 Depth Charge	(★8-9)				+1
Type 2 Depth Charge	(★MAX)				+2
Hedgehog (Initial Model)	(1st equipped)				+1			+1	One-time
2cm Flakvierling 38	(★4-6)			+1				+1
	(★7-9)	+1		+2				+1
	(★MAX)	+1		+3				+2
	(★4-MAX) + Air Radar			+1					One-time
3.7cm FlaK M42	(★6-7)			+1				+1
	(★8-9)	+1		+1				+1
	(★MAX)	+1		+1			+1	+2
	(★6-MAX) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
25mm Anti-aircraft Autocannon Mount & Machine Guns				+1				+2
Fleet Communication Antenna	(★4)						+1
	(★5)	+1					+1
	(★6)	+1					+1	+1
	(★7)	+1					+2	+1
	(★8)	+2					+2	+1
	(★9)	+2					+2	+2
	(★MAX)	+2					+3	+2

[edit]Kuma Kai Ni Equipment Bonuses
Equipment	Extra Requirement								Note
12.7cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2	(1st equipped)	+2		+2					One-time
12.7cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2	+ Surface Radar	+2						+3	One-time
12.7cm Twin High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2		+3
	(1st equipped)			+2					One-time
	+ Surface Radar	+3						+4	One-time
Bofors 15.2cm Twin Gun Mount Model 1930		+1		+1
5inch Twin Dual-purpose Gun Mount (Concentrated Deployment) OR GFCS Mk.37 + 5inch Twin Dual-purpose Gun Mount (Concentrated Deployment)		-3		-2				-6
S9 Osprey		+1			+1			+1
Elite Torpedo Squadron Command Facility	(1st equipped)	+5	+4					+4	One-time
Skilled Lookouts		+1	+2			+3		+2
Torpedo Squadron Skilled Lookouts						+3		+2
	(1st equipped) (★0-3)	+3	+3						One-time
	(1st equipped) (★4-7)	+4	+3						One-time
	(1st equipped) (★8-MAX)	+4	+4						One-time
Ship-Type Bonuses
12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model C Kai 3 H	+ Air Radar			+2				+2	One-time
	(2nd equipped) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
	(3rd equipped) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
12cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Model E Kai	(★2-3)			+1
	(★4-5)			+1				+2
	(★6-7)	+1		+1				+2
	(★8-9)	+1		+2				+2
	(★MAX)	+1		+2			+1	+2
	(★2-MAX) + Surface Radar	+1						+1	One-time
	(★2-MAX) + Air Radar			+2				+1	One-time
53cm Bow (Oxygen) Torpedo Mount			-5
Passive Radiolocator (E27) + Type 22 Surface Radar Kai 4 (Calibrated Late Model)	(1st equipped) (★7)						+1		One-time
	(1st equipped) (★8)						+1	+1	One-time
	(1st equipped) (★9)	+1					+1	+1	One-time
	(1st equipped) (★MAX)	+1					+2	+1	One-time
	+ ★3+ 12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model D Kai 2 OR ★3+ 12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model D Kai 3	+1					+1		One-time
	+ ★4+ Type 13 Air Radar Kai (Late Model)	+1		+4			+1	+3	One-time
Type 42 Air Radar Kai 2								-7
Type 2 Depth Charge	(★8-9)				+1
Type 2 Depth Charge	(★MAX)				+2
Hedgehog (Initial Model)	(1st equipped)				+1			+1	One-time
2cm Flakvierling 38	(★4-6)			+1				+1
	(★7-9)	+1		+2				+1
	(★MAX)	+1		+3				+2
	(★4-MAX) + Air Radar			+1					One-time
3.7cm FlaK M42	(★6-7)			+1				+1
	(★8-9)	+1		+1				+1
	(★MAX)	+1		+1			+1	+2
	(★6-MAX) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
25mm Anti-aircraft Autocannon Mount & Machine Guns				+1				+2
Fleet Communication Antenna	(★4)						+1
	(★5)	+1					+1
	(★6)	+1					+1	+1
	(★7)	+1					+2	+1
	(★8)	+2					+2	+1
	(★9)	+2					+2	+2
	(★MAX)	+2					+3	+2
Skilled Deck Personnel + Aviation Maintenance Hands	(1st equipped) (★1)	+1							One-time
	(1st equipped) (★2)	+1					+1		One-time
	(1st equipped) (★3)	+1					+1	+1	One-time
	(1st equipped) (★4)	+1					+1	+1	+1, One-time
	(1st equipped) (★5)	+1	+1				+1	+1	+1, One-time
	(1st equipped) (★6)	+1	+1	+1			+1	+1	+1, One-time
	(1st equipped) (★7)	+2	+1	+1			+1	+1	+1, One-time
	(1st equipped) (★8)	+2	+1	+1			+2	+1	+1, One-time
	(1st equipped) (★9)	+2	+1	+1			+2	+2	+1, One-time
	(1st equipped) (★MAX)	+3	+1	+1			+2	+2	+1, One-time
Kyoufuu Kai 2	(★3-4)	+1
	(★5-6)	+1		+1
	(★7-9)	+1		+1				+1
	(★MAX)	+1		+1			+1	+1

[edit]Kuma Equipment Bonuses
Equipment	Extra Requirement								Note
Bofors 15.2cm Twin Gun Mount Model 1930		+1		+1
5inch Twin Dual-purpose Gun Mount (Concentrated Deployment) OR GFCS Mk.37 + 5inch Twin Dual-purpose Gun Mount (Concentrated Deployment)		-3		-2				-6
S9 Osprey		+1			+1			+1
Elite Torpedo Squadron Command Facility	(1st equipped)	+5	+4					+4	One-time
Skilled Lookouts		+1	+2			+3		+2
Torpedo Squadron Skilled Lookouts						+3		+2
	(1st equipped) (★0-3)	+3	+3						One-time
	(1st equipped) (★4-7)	+4	+3						One-time
	(1st equipped) (★8-MAX)	+4	+4						One-time
Ship-Type Bonuses
12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model C Kai 3 H	+ Air Radar			+2				+2	One-time
	(2nd equipped) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
	(3rd equipped) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
12.7cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2	+ Surface Radar	+1						+2	One-time
12.7cm Twin High-angle Gun Mount Kai 2	+ Surface Radar	+2						+1	One-time
12cm Single High-angle Gun Mount Model E Kai	(★2-3)			+1
	(★4-5)			+1				+2
	(★6-7)	+1		+1				+2
	(★8-9)	+1		+2				+2
	(★MAX)	+1		+2			+1	+2
	(★2-MAX) + Surface Radar	+1						+1	One-time
	(★2-MAX) + Air Radar			+2				+1	One-time
53cm Bow (Oxygen) Torpedo Mount			-5
Passive Radiolocator (E27) + Type 22 Surface Radar Kai 4 (Calibrated Late Model)	(1st equipped) (★7)						+1		One-time
	(1st equipped) (★8)						+1	+1	One-time
	(1st equipped) (★9)	+1					+1	+1	One-time
	(1st equipped) (★MAX)	+1					+2	+1	One-time
	+ ★3+ 12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model D Kai 2 OR ★3+ 12.7cm Twin Gun Mount Model D Kai 3	+1					+1		One-time
	+ ★4+ Type 13 Air Radar Kai (Late Model)	+1		+4			+1	+3	One-time
Type 42 Air Radar Kai 2								-7
Type 2 Depth Charge	(★8-9)				+1
Type 2 Depth Charge	(★MAX)				+2
Hedgehog (Initial Model)	(1st equipped)				+1			+1	One-time
2cm Flakvierling 38	(★4-6)			+1				+1
	(★7-9)	+1		+2				+1
	(★MAX)	+1		+3				+2
	(★4-MAX) + Air Radar			+1					One-time
3.7cm FlaK M42	(★6-7)			+1				+1
	(★8-9)	+1		+1				+1
	(★MAX)	+1		+1			+1	+2
	(★6-MAX) + Air Radar			+2					One-time
25mm Anti-aircraft Autocannon Mount & Machine Guns				+1				+2
Fleet Communication Antenna	(★4)						+1
	(★5)	+1					+1
	(★6)	+1					+1	+1
	(★7)	+1					+2	+1
	(★8)	+2					+2	+1
	(★9)	+2					+2	+2
	(★MAX)	+2					+3	+2

Hidden Fit Bonuses

She has accuracy and firepower bonuses when equipped with certain medium guns. Please see Gun Fit Bonuses for mode details.

Analysis

Priority: Medium

At first remodel, she has good Firepower and Torpedo stat for a light cruiser, meaning she can do Artillery Spotting with decent damage at day and packs a good punch at night, too.

Her ASW stat also allow her to perform OASW attacks with proper setup.

No further remodels have been implemented for her yet (as of January 2020).

Recommended Roles

Surface combat
ASW

Important Info

Required for A58, A74, B52, and B85.

Voice Lines

Quotes

Event	Japanese/English
Introduction Play	Kuma~ Nice to meet you-kuma.^[1]
Introduction Play	クマー。よろしくだクマ。
Introduction Play	Kuumaa! I'll work hard today too-kuma!
Introduction Play	クーマー！今日も頑張るクマ！
Library Play	I'm the 1st ship of the Kuma-class light cruisers, Kuma-kuma. I was born in Sasebo-kuma. Though I'm a bit outdated, I'll do my best-kuma.^[2]
Library Play	球磨型軽巡洋艦の1番艦、球磨だクマ。佐世保生まれだクマ。ちょっと古いところもあるけど、頑張るクマー。
Secretary 1 Play	Kuma?
Secretary 1 Play	クマ？
Secretary 2 Play	Did you call me-kuma?
Secretary 2 Play	呼んだクマ？
Secretary 2 Play	I've been upgraded-kuma. Did you call-kuma?
Secretary 2 Play	改装されたクマ。呼んだクマ？
Secretary 3 Play	I wish you'd stop patting my head-kuma. I'm not a teddy bear-kuma.
Secretary 3 Play	なでなでしないでほしいクマー。ぬいぐるみじゃないクマー。
Secretary Idle Play	Kuma... kuma... I-I'm not bored at all-kuma. I'm enjoying myself-kuma!
Secretary Idle Play	クマー…クマー…べ、別に退屈してないクマ。充実してるクマ！
Secretary (Married) Play	Thanks for your hard work, Admiral-kuma. It's fine to rest once in a while-kuma.
Secretary (Married) Play	てーとく、お疲れだクマー。たまにはゆっくり休むといいクマー。
Wedding Play	Fufufu~ I've got you-kuma. I won't let you go-kuma. Kumakuma!
Wedding Play	ふっふっふ～、提督が釣れたクマー。もう離さないクマー。クマクマー！
Looking At Scores Play	A letter has arrived-kuma.
Looking At Scores Play	お手紙が届いてるクマー。
Looking At Scores Play	You want to view the information-kuma? Here you go-kuma.
Looking At Scores Play	情報を見るクマ？はい来たクマ。
Joining the Fleet Play	Kuma, sortieing-kuma!
Joining the Fleet Play	球磨、出撃するクマー！
Equipment 1 Play	Fufufu~ I got stronger-kuma.
Equipment 1 Play	ふっふっふ～、強くなったクマー。^[3]
Equipment 2 Play	Fufufu~♪ This feels good-kuma.
Equipment 2 Play	ふふふ～ん♪よい感じだクマー。
Equipment 2 Play	This is reassuring-kuma!
Equipment 2 Play	安心だクマ！
Equipment 2 Play	This is reassuring-kuma!
Equipment 2 Play	安心だクマ！
Equipment 3^[4] Play	Kuma~♪
Equipment 3^[4] Play	クマぁ♪
Supply Play	This helps-kuma!
Supply Play	助かるクマー！
Docking Minor Play	I'll take it slow-kuma.
Docking Minor Play	ゆとりの行動をするクマ。
Docking Minor Play	I know how to take it slow because I'm mature-kuma.
Docking Minor Play	大人のクマはゆとりの行動をするクマ。
Docking Major Play	Just a little bit more and I'd have died-kuma!
Docking Major Play	もう少しで死ぬところだったクマー！
Construction Play	A new ship has just been built-kuma.
Construction Play	新造艦ができたクマー。
Returning from Sortie Play	Operation over. Do you want to see the report-kuma?
Returning from Sortie Play	作戦終了。報告見るクマ？
Starting a Sortie Play	Picking me was a good choice-kuma!
Starting a Sortie Play	球磨を選ぶとはいい選択クマ！
Starting a Battle Play	Don't underestimate me-kuma!
Starting a Battle Play	なめるなクマー！
Attack Play	Enemy ships to port-kuma!
Attack Play	左舷に敵艦だクマ！
Attack Play	Enemy ships spotted. I'll show you what I can really do-kuma!
Attack Play	敵艦、発見。球磨の実力を見るクマ！
Night Attack Play	Launch torpedoes-kuma!
Night Attack Play	魚雷発射クマー！
Night Attack Play	Kuma kuma!
Night Attack Play	クマ、クマ！
Night Battle Play	Commence pursuit-kuma!
Night Battle Play	追撃戦に移るクマー！
Night Battle Play	Let's finish them off at night-kuma. Kuuumaaa!
Night Battle Play	夜戦で仕上げるクマ。クーマー！
MVP Play	I've been told that I'm a surprisingly exellent kuma-chan-kuma.^[5]
MVP Play	意外に優秀なクマちゃんって、よく言われるクマ。
MVP Play	They call me "Pinch-hitter Kuma"-kuma.
MVP Play	やるときはやる球磨ちゃんって言われてるクマ。
Minor Damage 1 Play	Ooh~!
Minor Damage 1 Play	おぉー！
Minor Damage 2 Play	I'm hit-kuma!
Minor Damage 2 Play	被弾クマー！
Major Damage Play	How humiliating... for me to look like this-kuma...
Major Damage Play	クマをこんな姿にするなんて･･･屈辱だクマ･･･
Sunk Play	I did what I could... but this is as far as I go-kuma...
Sunk Play	この球磨をもってしても…ここまでクマ…

↑ Her verbal tic is '-kuma'.
↑ She was commissioned in 1920, making her a bit outdated by the time World War 2 begun.
↑ Shared with Supply before Kai.
↑ This line is shared with expedition selection, resource collection, instant repair and development.
↑ 'Kuma-chan' usually refers to 'teddy bears' in Japan.

Seasonal

Ship	Japanese/English	Notes
Rainy Season 2015 Play	I don’t like the rainy season-kuma… Kumaaa… Kumaaa… I don’t like the rain… Kumaaa…
Rainy Season 2015 Play	梅雨は苦手だクマ…。ク～マ～…ク～マ～…。あ、雨は苦手だクマ…。ク～マ～…
Midsummer 2015 Play	It’s summer!! Let’s go swimming-kuma. I’ll show you my river swimming technique-kuma! I can even catch salmon-kuma. …Ah, that was a joke you know-kuma?
Midsummer 2015 Play	夏だー！！泳ぎに行くクマー。球磨の河泳ぎのテクニックを見るクマ！シャケも捕るクマ。…あぁ、冗談だクマよ？
Midautumn 2015 Play	Ku~ma~, Kuma, Kuma?
Midautumn 2015 Play	クゥ～マ～、クマ、クマ?
End of Year 2015 Play	It’s spring cleaning-kuma. I’ll do my best-kuma. But I’m already tired of it-kuma. I’m outta here-kuma!
End of Year 2015 Play	大掃除だくま。球磨も頑張るくま。でも、もう飽きたくま。逃げるくま！
New Year 2016 Play	It’s a new year-kuma! Congrats-kuma! Work hard this year-kuma? Ku~ ma~
New Year 2016 Play	あけだクマ！おめでとうクマ！今年も頑張るクマ？ク～マ～
Valentine’s Day 2016 Play	Admiral… This is for you-kuma. Don’t worry-kuma. It’s chocolate inside-kuma. So just eat it-kuma.
Valentine’s Day 2016 Play	提督ぅ…これあげるくま。大丈夫くま。中身はチョコだくま。安心食べるといいくま。
3rd Anniversary Play	It can’t really be the 3rd Anniversary-kuma. I’m shocked-kuma. But, congratulations-kuma! Kuma!
3rd Anniversary Play	まさかの三周年だくま。球磨も驚きだくま。でも、おもでたいくま。くま！
Setsubun 2017 Play	It’s Setsubun-kuma. I’m going to throw beans-kuma. The target is… Kiso! …Better not… Ooi! …Better not either. Eh, it’ll be Tama-kuma! …Forgive me, Tama.
Setsubun 2017 Play	節分だクマ。豆を投げるクマ。目標は…木曾！…わやめて。…大井！…もやめて。えぇ、多摩だクマ！……多摩、すまんクマ。
Saury Festival 2017 Play	Sanma-kuma? Not salmon-kuma? Fine then-kuma… I’ll give it a shot-kuma! Kuuumaaa.
Saury Festival 2017 Play	秋刀魚だクマ？鮭じゃないクマ？まあ、いいクマ…やってやるぜクマ！クーマー。
5th Anniversary Play	I can’t believe it’s the 5th Anniversary-kuma. I’m surprised too-kuma. But, congratulations-kuma. Kuumaa.
5th Anniversary Play	まさかの五周年だクマ。球磨もおどろきだクマ。でも、おめでたいクマ。クーマー。
6th Anniversary Play	I really can't believe it's the 6th Anniversary-kuma! I'm really surprised-kuma! But, I'm happy-kuma! Kuuumaaa! Kuma, kuma!
6th Anniversary Play	まさか、まさかの六周年だクマ！球磨も超驚きだクマ。でも、おめでたいクマ。クーマ！クマ、クマ！
7th Anniversary Play	It's seriously the 7th Anniversary. I'm shocked. But it's a really special day. Kuma kuumaaa!
7th Anniversary Play	まさか、まさかの七周年だクマ。球磨は呆れたクマ。でも本当におめでたいクマ。クマ、クーマー！

CG

Regular
Base Base Damaged Kai Ni Kai Ni Damaged Kai Ni D Kai Ni D Damaged

Seasonal
Midautumn 2015 Midautumn 2015 Damaged Christmas 2016 Christmas 2016 Damaged Valentine's Day 2018 Valentine's Day 2018 Damaged

Drop Locations

Ship	Rarity	Type	No.	World 1						World 2					World 3					World 7					World 4					World 5					World 6					Remarks
Ship	Rarity	Type	No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5	1	2	3	4	5	Remarks
Kuma	Rare	CL	039	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️		✔️	✔️	✔️		✔️			✔️		✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️				✔️	✔️	✔️		✔️	✔️					✔️	✔️	✔️	Buildable (no LSC)

Trivia

She is named after the Kuma River.
Her Kai Ni D rig appears to be based loosely on the Kaiten carrier form of Kitakami, which would explain the similar uniform. Kuma Kai Ni D is able to equip Type-A Kouhyouteki to fire an opening torpedo salvo. She can also equip Daihatsu landing craft, but looses the ability to carry aircraft.
It is possible the "D" in Kai Ni D is a reference to the Type D (Matsu) Destroyers. Such was the case for Asashio Kai Ni D, who is clearly based off of them. Though this destroyer class did have Type 89 guns and some were converted to Kaiten carriers, their appearance does not match Kuma. Her Kai Ni D form has a different version of the Type 89 gun that looks more akin to what Kitakami had historically after being converted to a Kaiten carrier. Furthermore, the submarine launch deck as two parallel tracks, like Kitakami. The D-Class kaiten carriers had a single track down the center.
Received her Kai Ni on 1/13/2021

Historical Info

Laid down on 29 August 1918, launched 14th July '19 and commissioned on 31th August '20.
Immediately after her working up she was sent to support Japanese forces fighting the Bolshevik Russian forces in Siberia. After a refit in 1934 she supported forces now fighting in China before fulfilling her designed role as the flagship of a submarine force for a year.
With Japan's entry into the war she was part of the Philippines covering force, and supported forces for the next few months as the island was slowly captured. She survived attacks from B17s and PT boats unscathed and sank numerous small transports.
Following this she carried out transport and patrol runs around the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea before having a refit to improve her AA in Nov '43.
She met her end in January of '44 when she was spotted off Penang by HMS Tally-Ho who managed to hit her with two torpedoes causing her to slow and list. Unfortunately for her a deck fire had started and spread to her depth charges, causing a massive explosion which tore the stern off and rapidly sank her. Uranami rescued survivors.
Her wreck was discovered in 2004 but like other ships sunk in the area her wreck has been mostly destroyed by illegal salvage.