On 10 March 1942, "Natori" was assigned to Cruiser Division 16 with the light cruiser . After the occupation of Java, "Natori" participated in the Battle of Christmas Island. At Christmas Island on 1 April 1942 the submarine fired three torpedoes at "Natori", but all missed. The cruiser which was hit starboard near her No. 1 boiler was not so lucky, and had to be towed back to Bantam Bay by "Natori".