In 1939, the IJN planned two food supply ships for the China Area Fleet under the Maru 4 Programme. One was the 600-ton type Nosaki (initially named Support ship No. 4007), the other the 1,000-ton type Kinesaki (initially named Support ship No. 4006). The Navy then ordered several more ships to the design of the Kinesaki; these became the Hayasaki, Shirasaki, and Arasaki. The Navy intended to order several more ships of this design by 1942, but Japan's worsening situation in the war by this stage led to the abandonment of these plans.
Service
The Kinesaki served in the Central Pacific Area, the Hayasaki in the Southwest Area, the Shirasaki in the Northeast Area, and the Arasaki in the Southeast Area. They also undertook convoy escort operations. The Kinesaki was sunk in March 1945, while the other ships of the class survived the war.
Decommissioned on 5 October 1945. Surrendered to the Republic of China on 3 October 1947 at Qingdao, renamed Wu Ling (AKL-311). Decommissioned on 1 May 1970.
Decommissioned on 5 October 1945. Surrendered to the United States on 3 October 1947 at Qingdao, sold to Japan that same day. Transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and renamed Umitaka Maru (海鷹丸) in April 1948. Sold to the Philippines in April 1967.