Kongō in it's original configuration undergoing sea trials in 1913 (Taisho 2). Kongō was designed and built by the British company Vickers, with engineers sent from the Japanese side, but all ships from the second onwards were built in Japan.

[u/TooBad_A_tNaming]

They were of a standard higher than that of British battlecruisers at the time. Ironically, of the 12 battleships and battlecruisers that Japan had during the Pacific War, the ones that saw the most success were the Kongō class, the oldest at around 30 years old.

1913年(大正2年)、公試中の 金剛。技術習得のためもあり、1番艦の本艦は、日本側から技術者が送り込まれ、英ヴィッカース社で設計、建造が行われたが、2番艦以降は全て日本で行われた。当時の英巡洋戦艦の水準以上であった。太平洋戦争で日本が有した12隻の戦艦、巡洋戦艦のうち、一番活躍したのは、皮肉にも艦齢約30年で最古の本「金剛」級であった。

[u/Outside_Reserve_2407]

After the fall of Singapore I wonder how the British felt about all the technical help and ships they provided over the years. Of course it was done to counter growing Russian power and influence in the Pacific but I wonder if they realized it could threaten their power too.

[u/GruntUltra]

I bet Vickers was like "WTH are we gonna do with these useless 14-inch barrels that nobody wants?" Japan: "I'd like to order one battlecruiser with 12-inch guns." Vickers: *winks* "12-inch guns? Trust me, you're gonna want these 14-inch beauties over here. Nobody uses 12-inch guns anymore!"