The IJN escort carrier Kaiyo began life as the Argentina Maru in 1939, a civilian passenger liner operated by the Osaka Shosen Kaisha line. She was then taken over as a troop transport in 1941, and then finally converted into an escort carrier in 1942, being renamed Kaiyo. Seriously damaged by British aircraft in Kyushu in July of 1945, the Kaiyo was finally stricken from the Japanese naval registry in November of that year and was later scrapped.

This release of Fujimi's Kaiyo can be built either as a full-hull or waterline model, and features sharp detail and excellent molding. Photo-etched metal detail parts are included to enhance the realism. The aircraft are molded in clear plastic for more realistic canopies. Fujimi notes that decals are not included for the flight deck markings.