Wakataka was the third and final vessel in the Hatsutaka-class of medium-sized minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which was in service during World War II. She was designed as an improved version of Shirataka netlayer. Due to the critical shortage of patrol ships for convoy escort duties during the Pacific War, she was fitted with depth charge racks and her minelaying rails were removed.

The Hatsutaka-class minelayer was a class of minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), serving during World War II. There were three sub-classes, as well.