Kongo was actually built by Vickers (and was
the last Japanese capital ship to be built outside of Japan), while the
remaining three were built in Japanese yards. During the inter-war
years, all of them were upgraded in terms of propulsion and protection,
and were re-rated as battleships.
KONGO is the only IJN battleship sunk by a submarine during the war and the last battleship ever sunk by a submarine.

USS Stewart (DD-224) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States
Navy during World War II as part of the Asiatic Fleet. Scuttled in a
port, she was later raised by the Japanese and commissioned as Patrol
Boat No. 102.
Surrendered by the Japanese at Kure and returned to American
service as DD-224 on October 29 1945.
Stricken again on April 17 1946.
Fate Sunk as target off San Francisco May 24 1946.