The 8th Fleet was a fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy established during World War II.
Japanese heavy cruiser Chōkai, flagship of the 8th Fleet in 1942.
Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa was the first commander of the 8th Fleet and led it throughout the Guadalcanal Campaign.
8th Fleet warships led by Vice Admiral Mikawa dealt a major defeat to Allied naval forces at the Battle of Savo Island on 9 August 1942 by sinking four heavy cruisers.
Seaplane tender Nisshin was used by the 8th Fleet's Reinforcement Unit as a high-speed transport to resupply Guadalcanal in October 1942.