¹⁄350

Max Factory of Japan has announced the October 2015 release of a combination kit consisting of a 1/350 scale Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Shimakaze and “Daughter”, a 1/20 scale anime-style figure.

Yet another installment from the Japanese world of the weird, these models are based on the Kantai Collection ("Fleet Collection"), a Japanese free-to-play web browser game with individual characters represented by various attributes. Each of the characters are anthropomorphisms of World War II naval warships which are depicted as "Fleet girls". These personified warships are based on real IJN ships; the physical characteristics, appearances and personalities of each of the girls correlate in some way to the real-life vessel. For example, ships with a larger displacement tonnage are often depicted with larger breasts; character Akagi is depicted as a glutton (since IJN Akagi consumed large amounts of fuel) and destroyer Shimakaze is depicted as a speedy girl because IJN Shimakaze was one of the fastest destroyers of World War II.

Despite its anime connection, the Shimakaze (“Island Wind”) model appears to be fairly realistic. Developed by Hasegawa, the destroyer has some goofy optional parts (check out the aft turret in the close up pic), but the ship can also be built straight as a realistic replica. It comes molded in gray, brown, red, black and gold to ease completion for the anime crowd. The ship looks very good, but I could do without the anime figure. Perhaps the destroyer will be released on its own later for those of us just interested in the historical vessel!

The new set can be had for ¥7,800 (approximately US$62.71) from Hobbylink Japan.

http://hlj.com/product/MAX01019/Nav