The Akebono (length 220 feet 9 inches, beam 20 feet 6 inches; draught 5 feet 3 inches) the third of six torpedo boat destroyers built by Messrs. Yarrow and Company, Poplar, for the Imperial Japanese Government was successfully launched at Poplar in mid-April 1899. The guaranteed speed of the Akebono was 31 knots over three hours, carrying 35 tons.