IJN Sendai was the lead ship of the Sendai class of light cruisers. She was named after a river in southern Kyushu. This type of cruiser was designed as an improved version of the Nagara class, which was practically identical to the Kuma class. Like previous cruiser types, the Sendai class was primarily used to lead destroyer flotillas. Sendai was laid down on February 16, 1922; launched on October 30, 1923; and commissioned on April 29, 1924.

At the beginning of the Pacific War, Sendai was primarily involved in covering Japanese troop landings and escorting convoys. In May 1942, she participated in the Battle of Midway as part of the Combined Imperial Fleet; however, the formation to which Sendai was assigned never entered the battle. Subsequently, she escorted convoys. In November 1942, she participated in the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal while covering the second echelon. During the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, Sendai came under fire from the battleship USS Washington but managed to escape undamaged. On November 2, 1943, Sendai participated in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay. She came under heavy fire from the cruisers USS Cleveland, Columbia, Montpelier, and Denver, and sank by morning.

IJN Sendai was introduced in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind" in her 1942 modification. She has decent speed but weak anti-aircraft guns and ineffective main cannons.