Pacific Front Hobbies sells quite a few reference books on Japanese warships. Unfortunately they tend to be expensive.
If I were doing such a project on 1/700 scale, the first thing I'd do would be to order the set of photo-etched parts for Japanese seaplane tenders from Gold Medal Models. I haven't worked with that particular set, but GMM generally provides excellent instructions that contain enough information to do a nice, accurate model on such a small scale.
Both firms are easily accessible via the Steel Navy website, www.steelnavy.com .
Hope this helps a little. Good luck.
Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.