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[Veyako Koyama]

Whether or not it's a destroyer or aircraft carrier, its design resemblance to the latter is logical.  Plenty of space for multiple approaching helos and avenues for emergency response vehicles to get around.  Hard to have the typical destroyer look and still have places for many  to touchdown at without resorting to this flat top design.  As of now, and discounting V/STOL, the ship isn't equipped with a catapult system to let them convert into an aircraft carrier and the flight deck isn't in standard skijump configuration.

[Lyn Farel]

It's worth noting that most modern designs, destroyers or frigates, even stealth ones, often have a stern pad that can host one or more helos. So the difference between types and genres has become quite granular with years. Considering the modular design used for everything in military naval construction - they even build the different parts of the ships separately, the prow here, the stern there, the middle part somewhere else - and that a specific design of ship can then split into different classes specialized in anti submarine warfare, anti air, escort, or all purpose...

[Esna Pitoojee]

The question I have again is "does it matter"? When a guided missile destroyer or cruiser can lob cruise missiles with range 2-3 times farther than even the newest VSTOL aircraft, does having a smaller flattop like this represent that significant of a shift?

(Incidentally, if we are considering their assault carrying capacity, it is worth nothing that Japan already operates three amphibious-assault carriers, the Osumi-class.)

[Veyako Koyama]

Honestly?  It probably doesn't matter.  Its debateable whether or not the benefits of an aircraft carrier outweigh the threats posed to them.  They are in essence mobile spheres of influence capable of projecting firepower and assets while remaining out of range (something that is getting harder to do) in a multitude of regions.  Why a defense force would require a projection of military might is another item for debate.  Cruise missiles and all are very well and good...but considering the US (we love cruise missiles) plans to have a total of 7 Ford-class super carriers constructed over the next 30 years, its worth considering that having a carrier is something of merit to those concerned.

[orange]

Why a defense force would require a projection of military might is another item for debate.

Japan consist 6,852 islands, stretching from 24° to 46° north or 2446.4 km.  This means that instead of being able to strategically base Air and Ground defense forces around a mostly continuous land mass, it appears wise to focus on Naval and Amphibious forces to defend an archipelago and having the capability to project power to discontinuous territory.

Internal power project can be as critical, if not more so, than external power projection.

[Silas Vitalia]

I don't believe you need nearly as long a flight deck for unmanned drones?

I think when that thing gets down to business in the future years it will be drones taking off and landing.

[Pieter Tuulinen]

Those drones will be bigger than the old Seaharriers then...