A Japanese "Tokyo Express" reinforcement force—commanded by "Sho-sho" (Rear Admiral) Shunji Isaki and comprising the light cruiser , the destroyers , , , and and the destroyer transports , , , and —made a run down "The Slot" from the upper Solomons to land troops at Vila on Kolombangara by way of Kula Gulf on the night of 12 July 1943.