Pit-Road has announced the release of a 1/1 scale rendition of a life ring from the Yamato or Shimakaze.

Fresh from the weird world of Japanese “Fleet Collection/Kancolle” anime, this unusual offering from Pit-Road is a simulated Imperial Japanese Navy life ring commemorating the IJN Yamato and IJN Shimakaze. More than a bit uncomfortable to Western sensibilities since both of these ships were sunk with heavy loss of life, this toy might be comparable to a USS Arizona or HMS Hood life ring for kids… but apparently this idea works in Japan! Go figure.

According to Pit-Road:

“This inflatable swim ring is based on the lifesavers that were on the battleship Yamato and the destroyer Shimakaze! Use it when swimming, or display it in your room using the included rope! One side of the ring has the characters for "Shimakaze" and the other side says "Yamato". Measures about 80cm in diameter when inflated. Vinyl chloride resin body with a polypropylene rope. For ages 12 and up”.

The inflatable IJN swim ring is listed by Hobbylink Japan at https://hlj.com/product/pitpd50/Fun and can be had for ¥3,315 (about US$30).