IJN has mid-good range and damage (Yamato has great damage) with incredibly long hangtime. When played defensively and oin 1v1 (baiting/kiting), IJN excels, although this can be debated. IJN can slingshot pretty effectively, provided you are able to predict your opponent's whereabouts in ~5 sec. Rushing with IJN takes more time to master although it can be done, especially since some won't see it coming and will overshoot you.

All in all, it depends on your playstyle. 

IJN ships tend to be pretty quick, do a lot of damage, and have good range...however they are also VERY fragile...and let me emphasize the word fragile.


If you arent going to use AA dont even bother going IJN...and I say this because if you dont have AA you will just have more supports and IJN supports aren't that great and you would just be better off going RN/RM/SN/US.

KM and MN have cool AA

So ok...

IJN is among the fastest (aside of several stupidly fast BBs like KM BB2s that can go as fast as 51 knts) going usually 40-44.

IJN has high damage only Alsace and Montana can beat and both have lower range.

IJN HE shells usually go through armor at max angle.

IJN has average range

IJN AA is middle of the road between KM spam and MN range. However thair BB4-6 have T slots giving full 360 coverage using all guns at any one time as both sides cover half of the ship.