 Yanagimoto graduated from the 25th class of the Naval Staff College in 1925, fifth out of a class of 20.He was promoted to lieutenant commander in December 1928, when he was assigned to serve as Vice Chief Gunnery officer on the battleship .In September 1929, he was assigned to the staff of Yokosuka Naval District and from February 1930 was assigned to the personnel department of the Navy Ministry.