	While back in Japan, "Isuzu" was converted to an anti-aircraft cruiser at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. All of her remaining 14 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns were removed and two additional twin 12.7 cm/40 Type 89 naval guns were installed. The number of Type 96 25 mm AA guns was increased to 50 barrels. The catapult and seaplane equipment were removed. Type 13 air-search, Type 21 air-search and Type 22 surface-search radars were fitted or modified. Sonar and depth charge rails were added. On 20 August 1944, "Isuzu" became flagship of Rear Admiral Heitaro Edo's CruDiv 31 (antisubmarine), and "Isuzu" was declared combat ready again on 14 September 1944.