Aoshima 1/700 Scale Light Cruiser Kitakami Kaiten Carrier Model Kit

Known for their accuracy and attention to detail, Aoshima's precision Waterline Series focuses on naval ship models, depicting the ship's structure from the waterline and above. Models in this series are designed to be seen as if floating on the water, highlighting the above-water structure, whilst also making for a more practical and space-efficient display on a flat surface.

Kitakami was the third of five Kuma-class light cruisers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) from 1917. Originally designed as both a long-range, high speed reconnaissance ship, and also as a command vessel for destroyer or submarine flotillas, Kitakami's design and mission evolved drastically throughout her life.

From August 1941, Kitakami (and her sister Ōi) was converted into a torpedo cruiser, including a fearsome armament of ten quadruple launchers for the Type 93 'Long Lance' torpedo. After about a year in that configuration, including a stint as part of the Aleutian Screening Force during the Battle of Midway, Kitakami was converted into a fast transport ship (she gained a pair of landing craft, improved AA defences, and depth charge launch rails, while losing four torpedo launchers).

With Japan's strategic situation worsening, August 1944 saw Kitakami converted into a carrier vessel for Kaiten human torpedo suicide craft. It is difficult to estimate the effectiveness of the Kaiten, as Japanese and American estimations vary significantly; there is little doubt however that they were noticebaly less effective than the kamikazes.

In July 1945, Kitakami was fitted with twenty-seven additional 25 mm AA guns; despite this she recieved straffing damage from carrier-borne aircraft whilst at Kure later the same month. Kitakami did survive the war, and was eventually scrapped in 1946-47.

Aoshima's precision Waterline Series model kit presents Kitakami as she would have appeared during her time as a Kaiten carrier.

• 1/700 scale precision model kit
• Waterline design
• Assembly required
• Glue, paint, and tools not included - available separately
• Not a toy: not intended for children under 15 years old
• Made in Japan