From January through March 1942, "Asanagi" provided cover for landings of Japanese forces during Operation R (the invasion of Rabaul, New Britain) and Operation SR, (the invasion of Lae and Salamaua). While patrolling out of Lae on 10 March, she suffered medium damage from strafing attacks, forcing a return to Sasebo for repairs by April. Once repairs were completed in June, "Asanagi" escorted convoys from Sasebo back to Truk. During the Battle of the Coral Sea from 7–8 May 1942, "Asanagi" was assigned to the Operation Mo invasion force for Port Moresby on New Guinea. When that operation was cancelled, she returned to Sasebo for further repairs.