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Built by Fairfields Shipbuilding Company of Glasgow, Empress of Japan was launched at Govan on December 16, 1929. She was a very handsome ship of classic yacht-like design, with a raked bow stem and a cruiser stern. She was painted in brilliant white livery with a blue band, and three buff funnels (along with Queen Mary she would later be one of the last two of the three funnellers). Built for speed as well as for comfort, she performed impressively in sea trials, achieving 23 knots.

In June 1930, when she arrived on Merseyside to begin service, members of the public were invited to pay a shilling (5p) each, to go aboard and view her six passenger decks, with the takings going to seamen's' charities. They saw an extremely impressive interior - lofty public rooms decorated and furnished with extensive use of natural wood. The main lounge, two decks high, had a large oval domed ceiling and a musicians' gallery. A Palm Court and ballroom extended across the whole 83 feet width of the ship at the forward end of the promenade deck.

Passenger facilities included a sound cinema, a modern gymnasium, and a large marble swimming pool (29 x 20 feet). There were two de-luxe suites with private verandas. The ship also had substantial cargo capacity. (Deck Plans)

On her maiden voyage, 14 June 1930, from Liverpool to Quebec, the Empress made excellent speed. On the first Pacific crossing, from Yokohama to Vancouver, with the King of Siam on board, she set a new speed record for that route. Her first arrival at Vancouver was celebrated with an on-board banquet, followed by another public viewing opportunity. The Empress's first Master was Captain S Robinson. He had achieved some fame in 1923 when as Master of Empress of Australia, his ship had played a major role in rescue operations at Yokohama, following the Tokyo earthquake disaster. Over the next nine years, Empress of Japan made 58 round trips from Vancouver to Yokohama and Shanghai (via Honolulu), during which time the American and Japanese competition could never match her speed.