In terms of design, the Kamikaze-class ships were substantially identical to the previous , in terms of hull design and external appearance, retaining the flush deck design with a distinctive "turtleback" forecastle inherited from the , as well as the four-smokestack profile. However, with operational experience gained in the Russo-Japanese War, the Kamikaze class employed shorter smokestacks with spark and glow arrestors to give the ships a more stealthy capability for night combat operations.
