¹⁄700

Fujimi have announced the release of their upcoming kitset of the 1./700th IJN Hosho Limited Version . This exciting re- release is expected early March this year.

Please join me in viewing the current information and images.

Full details are outlined as follows:

IJN Hosho Limited Version
Manufacturer : Fujimi
Scale : 1/700
Regular Price : Approx. US$25.00
Expected release date: Early March
Item code : 430850

We will update you on this kitset as and when we have more detail.

Images courtesy of Fujimi

Ship History

Hosho is Japanese for Flying Phoenix.

Hosho, a 7470-ton aircraft carrier built at Tsurumi, Japan, was completed in December 1922, the first of her type to enter service in the Japanese Navy. Hosho’s hull was based on that of a cruiser, but she was not a convert, she was built from the keel up as a carrier. Her original design had a declining forward section to the flight deck. This was to improve acceleration of aircraft taking off. She also had a small starboard island and reclining funnels.

After her acceptance trials the flight deck was made flush and the island was removed. Over her career the flight deck was changed so the ship could handle newer and more aircraft. However this made her unstable in heavier seas and she was relegated to a training ship in 1942.


During much of the 1920s Hosho was Japan's only flat-top. Like the U.S. Navy’s USS Langley (CV-1), was actively employed developing carrier operational techniques and tactical doctrine. Though far more capable ships came along during the later 1920s, she continued in operation through the remainder of the Imperial Navy's existence.

She even saw action at the Battle of Midway, providing air cover for the Battleships. One of her biplanes took pictures of a drifting burning Hiyru. After returning from Midway Hosho was transferred to a training carrier, operating in Japans Inland Sea.

Hosho survived the war and was used to return Japanese captives to their homeland in 1946. She was scrapped in 1947.

Historical summary courtesy of Jim Adams.