Hōshō was not just another vessel; it was a groundbreaking ship designed and constructed specifically for the purpose of aircraft operations, rather than being a repurposed battleship or cruiser. Launched in 1921 and commissioned in 1922, the Hōshō was a pivotal development for the Imperial Japanese Navy, as it marked the transition from traditional battleship fleets to the inclusion of aerial capabilities in maritime strategies. The ship had a maximum speed of 25 knots and was equipped with innovative features such as a flight deck and hangars, which allowed it to operate airplanes efficiently.

The significance of Hōshō lies in its advanced design and construction features, which included a full-length flight deck enabling multiple aircraft operations. Serving as a testing ground for flight operations and naval aviation doctrine, Hōshō played an essential role in shaping future designs of aircraft carriers worldwide. The lessons learned from Hōshō influenced military naval strategies globally as other nations recognized the growing importance of air power.

Additionally, Hōshō's operational history began in earnest in the 1930s, when she undertook various training exercises and troop transport missions reflecting the Japanese Navy's increasing focus on integrating aviation into naval warfare. This vessel became a benchmark for other powers seeking to develop their carrier capabilities during the interwar period. The advances in aviation technology and tactics witnessed aboard Hōshō would resonate through subsequent naval conflicts, particularly in the Pacific theater of World War II.