Ships
- IJN Kongo Captain from 16 December 1942
- IJN Sazanami Flag, 18 August 1943
Rear Admiral Matsuji Ijuin flew his flag in Sazanami on 18 August 1943, off Horaniu, on Vella Lavella. With Hamakaze, Isokaze, and Shigure she was covering barges in to set up a staging base. He was not her captain.
Four American destroyers met them: Nicholas, O'Bannon, Taylor, and Chevalier. Torpedoes from both sides missed. Gunfire slightly damaged Hamakaze and put one shell into Isokaze. Nothing hit Sazanami. Most of the barges still landed their troops.
On the night of 1-2 November 1943 his flag was in the light cruiser Sendai, off Empress Augusta Bay. With her were Shigure, Samidare, and Shiratsuyu. The American cruisers sank Sendai. That fire is not credited to one ship. He was among those saved.