Completed in August of 1941, the 32,105-ton displacement Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Shokaku began its operational service career on December 7, 1941, when it launched two air strikes in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. After being severely damaged during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May of 1942, Shokaku was repaired and later participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, where it sustained light damage. Severe damage sustained during the Battle of Santa Cruz required Shokaku to return to Japan for extensive repairs and a refit, after which it returned to service in the summer of 1943. On a mission to counter the allied advances in the Marianas in June of 1944, Shokaku met its demise at the torpedos of the US Navy submarine Cavalla, earning the US sub the nickname "The Pearl Harbor Avenger."

Here's another great addition to the ever-expanding fleet of 1/350 IJN naval subjects! Depicting the Shokaku as it appeared in 1941, Fujimi's fantastic all-newly-tooled full-hull kit features movable masts, three positionable deck elevators, full armament as fitted in 1941, photo-etched metal detail parts for the flight deck arresting gear, metal anchor chains, decals, a nameplate, ship's bridge parts rendered in clear plastic, display stands, and a reference photo-filled instruction booklet. The air wing includes three Mitsubishi Type 21 Zero Fighters, three Aichi Type 99 D3A1 Val Carrier Dive Bombers, and three Type 97 Nakajima B5N Kate Carrier Attack Bombers, all sharply molded in clear plastic (also sold separately; linked below!). This initial release of the Shokaku will also include a set of photo-etched metal hand railings (may not be included in later releases). Increase the strength of your 1/350 IJN fleet with this great kit from Fujimi!