So large that it drained the country's steel reserves during construction. So secret that workers weren't allowed to return home during the five years of it's construction. In fact, military leaders banned all cameras during construction for fear the enemy might learn its size and location. Ironically, photographs are the primary reason Shinano put to sea. Here, at the end of 1944, American reconnaissance planes have become a regular feature in the Japanese sky as they looked for targets.
Military leaders fear disclosure of their secret weapon before it can be outfitted for battle.
They issued orders to move the seagoing behemoth to the Inland Sea, where fewer eyes can see it. You've no reason to worry, though . After five years of construction the ship is basically sound. Oh, a few construction workers have joined the crew to apply a few finishing touches, but the ship is seaworthy enough for a short cruise down the Japanese coast. Accompanied by three experienced destroyer escorts, officers expect Shinano will reach safe harbor in the Inland Sea by daybreak.