Shohatsu-class landing craft

Shohatsu was the first landing vessel that the IJA developed. The development of the Shohatsu started in 1924 and the first production model was finished in 1927. In those days, no other country had not developed any landing craft like Shohatsu.

Shohatsu has a steel hull and a spiral screw (see below photo), which is useful to avoid the obstacles in the water. It was a reliable vessel and good in mobility. Shohatsu was widely used in China and in the early Pacific War. But, its production was ceased in 1943 in order to increase the production of Daihatsu.

Source: http://www3.plala.or.jp/takihome/shohatsu.html

It was used for landing personnel and supplies. It was built of steel and had a single bow with no landing ramp. It was also carried by destroyers and smaller vessels as a cargo or liberty boat.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shohatsu-class_landing_craft