Launched April 2, 1942 and completed February 28, 1943, the IJN Light Cruiser Oyodo served in reinforcing actions in Truk, Rabaul, Palau, and Singapore. The Oyodo also served as the flagship in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, taking over for the stricken carrier Zuikaku. She was later attacked and sunk by Allied aircraft in July 1945 as she laid awaiting repairs at Kure, Japan.

Fujimi's kit of the Oyodo is one of their older releases, now augmented with a fine fret of photo-etched metal detail parts for sections of the deck, the massive aircraft catapult on the rear deck, deck guard rails, shutters, and antenna. There is also a nicely turned piece of metal for the catapult base. Effective employment of these photo-etched parts will require a bit of work to remove the existing deck detail on the plastic parts, but the results will certainly be worth it. This kit represents the Oyodo as she appeared at the time of her completion in 1943.