The Japanese Marine Safety Force (later to become the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force) authorised the purchase of three "B type" escort vessels as part of the Financial Year 1953 programme. Of the three ships, two of which were to be powered by diesel engines (the Ikazuchi class) and the third by steam turbines, to be called Akebono.[1]
The equipment of the three escorts was similar, with two American 30NaN0 guns, four 40 mm Bofors guns, a Hedgehog anti-submarine projector and eight K-gun depth charge launchers. Akebono had a twin-shaft machinery installation, with geared steam turbines producing 18000shp which could propel the ship at a top speed of compared with the of the less powerful Ikazuchi class.[1]
Akebono was laid down at the Ishikawajima Tokyo shipyard on 10 December 1954. She was launched on 15 October 1955 and completed on 20 March 1956.[2]
Akebono was re-armed in March 1958, when her original 3-inch guns were replaced by more modern, autoloading 3 inch guns, with 1 Bofors gun, four K-guns also removed.[1] Akebono was discarded in 1976.[1]