The IJN battleship Haruna was originally built in 1915, then later rebuilt to full battleship standards in 1933. She served throughout the Pacific during WWII, in such operations as the invasion of Malaya in 1941, the conquest of the Dutch East Indies in 1942, the Japanese defeat at Midway in June of 1942, and the battles for Guadalcanal in August of 1942. Later in 1944 she participated in the Battle of the Philippines Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In early 1945 the Haruna was damaged in Japanese waters by US aircraft, then was sunk shortly after while moored for repairs in Kure, again by US aircraft. She was raised by salvagers after the war and sold for scrap.

Fujimi's kit of the IJN battleship Haruna is another excellent addition to the ever-growing fleet of 1/350 warships! Big and beautifully detailed, this all-new tooling of the Haruna is a full-hull model with stand, representing the ship as it appeared in June of 1944. Includes metal anchor chain and seals for the signal flags. This stunning model will measure 641mm long by 92mm wide when completed.

The first issue of this kit will include a 218-figure set of injection-molded crewmen and eight metal barrels for the 36cm main guns. Act now (summer 2008), since these items may not be included in later issues of the same kit!