Heian Maru

The Heian Maru (平安丸) was a Japanese ocean liner launched in 1930, primarily operating on the NYK line's trans-Pacific service between Yokohama and Seattle. Shortly before the outbreak of the Pacific War, she was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy and converted into an auxiliary submarine tender. In 1944, she was sunk by American aircraft at Chuuk Lagoon during Operation Hailstone. Her submerged hulk, the largest of Chuuk's "Ghost Fleet," remains a popular scuba diving destination. Although the Heian Maru does not directly appear as a "Kanmusu" (ship girl) in the game *Kantai Collection* (艦隊これくしょん, KanColle), the game features moe anthropomorphisms of World War II warships. Understanding the historical context of the Heian Maru helps in appreciating the game's setting and character design. *Kantai Collection* is a Japanese web browser game where players act as admirals, commanding anthropomorphized ship girls in battle. While the Heian Maru isn't a direct character, her historical significance underscores the game's commitment to its historical basis and allows players to explore more about WWII naval history.