小沢治三郎
All of the "Takao" class were assigned to the Yokosuka Naval District, forming "Sentai"-4 of the IJN 2nd Fleet, and trained as a unit during the 1930s. "Maya" was commanded by Captain Masaichi Niimi from 15 November 1932, followed by Captain Jisaburō Ozawa from 15 November 1934 to 28 October 1935. During this time, issues with their stability and seaworthiness due to the top-heavy design became evident. With the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War, she led a fleet with the Imperial Japanese Army’s IJA 6th Division from Nagoya to China in August 1937. "Takao" and "Atago" were rebuilt at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal between 1938 and 1939, resulting in an improved design: the size of the bridge was reduced, the main mast was relocated aft, and hull budges were added to improve stability. "Maya" and "Chōkai" were not modified as extensively, and can almost be considered a separate class.