December 27, 1922: World’s 1st Designed Aircraft Carrier Commissioned

On December 27, 1922, the Imperial Japanese Navy commissioned the first aircraft carrier in the world that was designed and built as an aircraft carrier, the Hōshō.

For additional sourcing for this video, please refer to the “Historical Evidence” section of the article on our main site on which this video is based.

Author: Major Dan

Editor and Narrator: Dr. Zar

Video edited using Movie Maker.

Image sources:

The following images are in the public domain for various reasons. Please go to the link for each image listed below for more information:

The featured image in this article, a photograph of Japanese aircraft carrier Hōshō in Tokyo Bay in 1922 from Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 12, is in the public domain in Japan because its copyright has expired according to Article 23 of the 1899 Copyright Act of Japan (English translation) and Article 2 of Supplemental Provisions of Copyright Act of 1970. This is when the photograph meets one of the following conditions:

It was published before January 1, 1957.

It was photographed before January 1, 1947.

It is also in the public domain in the United States because its copyright in Japan expired by 1970 and was not restored by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

All other images used in this video are believed to be (based on their file descriptions at the time of access by us) either in the public domain or available per “fair use”. No copyright infringement is intended. If you are the originator of any image used in this video and would like us to name you and/or include a link to the original source in this video’s description, we will gladly do so.

Thank you for watching this video!

[williamhild]

Favorite aircraft carrier? CV-2, USS Lexington---the "Lady Lex". Started life as a battlecruiser, converted to a carrier. Had all her funnels trunked together on the starboard side, which created a very unique silhouette.

[hannahballiett]

I watched a video about aircraft carriers at an air force museum down in Florida. They were so interesting to learn about. To take off and land on the ship would be so terrifying. I have only seen them in pictures but would love to see one in person.

[wyattwright]

It is crazy that a ship that large can hold all of that weight without sinking.

[matthewlyons]

Aircraft isn't that old which is so interesting

[ryanwhitaker]

I was surprised to learn that the US didn't commission the first Aircraft carrier. I've just always assumed they did for some reason.

[reaganmorse]

I had no idea the Japanese created the first aircraft carrier!

[harleynunez]

I can't say I have a favorite by any means, but I would love to take a tour of one. Future class trip??😂

[caser]

Crazy how the aircraft carrier killed the era of the battleship.

[lydiaharless]

I didnt know that the Japanese were the first to make the aircraft carrier

[deannachatman]

I didn't know the Japanese made the first aircraft carrier