Originally laid down in 1918, the Hyuga was completely modernized in 1936. Following the Japanese defeat at Midway, she was hastily reconfigured as half battleship, half aircraft carrier in 1943 (flight deck to the rear of the vessel), and was in that configuration when she was sunk at her moorings in Kure by a US air attack on July 24, 1945.

This kit represents the ship as she appeared before the conversion to hybrid carrier. This special release from Hasegawa features a full hull (can also be built waterline) and a nice wooden base with nameplate in Japanese. Also includes a comprehensive fret of photo-etched metal detail parts, turned metal gun barrels for the main guns, and cast white metal propellers.