The IJN Kagerō (陽炎; namesake: "Mirage") was the lead destroyer of the Kagerō class. Designed as an improved version of the Asashio-class destroyers, the Kagerō class featured enhanced gun and torpedo armaments, slightly larger dimensions, and improved stability. The Kagerō was laid down on September 3, 1937, at the Maizuru Shipyard. She was launched on September 27, 1938, and commissioned on November 6, 1939.

On December 7, 1941, the destroyer was part of Admiral Nagumo’s fleet near Iturup Island. On December 24, the destroyer returned to Kure. In January 1942, she provided cover for Japanese aircraft carriers preparing for landings at Rabaul. On March 1, Kagerō and several other destroyers sank the Dutch cargo ship Modjokerto with gunfire. In mid-March and April, the destroyer provided cover again for aircraft carriers during a raid into the Indian Ocean. On June 3, the Kagerō set sail to provide cover for Japanese troops landing on Midway Island.

From August 1942 through February 1943, the destroyer participated in the "Tokyo Express," taking part in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons on August 24 and the Battle of Santa Cruz on October 26. On November 15, the Kagerō took part in the Second Battle of Guadalcanal. On the 30th, she took part in the Battle of Tassafaronga. During the latter battle, the Kagerō and the Makinami torpedoed and sank the American heavy cruiser USS Northampton. In May, the Kagerō was transporting troops to Kolombangara Island. On the return trip on May 7, she struck a mine and was immobilized. She was soon sunk by American aircraft south of Rendova.

The IJN Kagero was introduced in Update 2.55 "Ninth Wave", in its 1943 configuration. It is a fast destroyer with powerful torpedo armament. However, the Kagero has low survivability and poor anti-aircraft defenses. It differs from the IJN Yukikaze in its anti-aircraft artillery and the presence of an additional 127mm gun.