Used by the IJN in the final stages of WWII, the Kaiten Type 1 was a Type 93 torpedo modified as a one-man suicide weapon, although provisions were made for the pilot to escape before impact. In practice, however, none attempted to escape. With over 400 Kaitens built, only 100 were ever sent on missions, and out of those 100 missions only two succeeded in sinking enemy ships. In the end, the unmodified, unmanned Type 93 torpedo used conventionally was a much more effective weapon.

Fine Molds has re-released their Kaiten Type 1 kit in conjunction with the release of the new film Deguchi no Nai Umi (International title: Sea Without Exit), which opened in Japanese theaters September 16 2006. The film focuses on the sad story of the lost youth of the Kaiten pilots. The sharply molded kit in gray styrene comes with a loading dolly and decals.