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Some naval historical sources regard the Akitsu Maru and her sister ship, the Nigitsu Maru, as the first amphibious assault ships. This pioneering naval concept will become available as a kit this Spring.

Akitsu Maru was a Japanese landing craft depot ship and escort aircraft carrier operated by the Imperial Japanese Army. She started life as a passenger liner before being acquired by the IJA and had a flight deck fitted but no hangar space. Aircraft were stored underneath the flight deck on what was the original ship's main deck. She was meant to only launch aircraft for amphibious raids since she was not fitted with any aircraft recovery gear although some of the smallest of IJA aircraft could manage landings, including the Kayaba Ka-1 autogyros. 27 Daihatsu class landing craft could also be carried on her flight deck.

This waterline kit (No 01227) is fully titled as IJA Landing Craft Carrier Type Hei Akitsu Maru SD (Final State) and is scheduled for a March-April release.

Hobby Link Japan has it available for pre-order for ¥3,040 ($25.22 (US), 23.08 (EU)) plus shipping.