Tokyo Express
From June 1943, "Matsukaze" was reassigned to the IJN 8th Fleet and sent to Rabaul at the end of June. From June through September, she made several "Tokyo Express" troop transport runs to Kolombangara and participated in the evacuation of Japanese forces from Vella Lavella in October. At the end of October, "Matsukaze" returned to Yokosuka for repairs.