In 1939 the Japanese Navy General Staff demanded to develop a project of a destroyer with a speed of 40 knots. The project was called "Project F52" and was included in the plan called Maru Yon. In connection with this, a project was prepared and the construction of the Japanese destroyer with number 125 (later named Shimakaze) began.

Laying the keel took place on 8 August, 1941, in the Maizuru Naval Arsenal. Launching was carried out on July 18, 1942.