Tamiya 31460 Shimakaze Japanese Navy Destroyer 1/700

Tamiya 31460 Shimakaze Japanese Navy Destroyer 1/700 is a high-quality plastic model kit representing one of the most famous destroyers of the Japanese Navy from World War II. The model is produced by the renowned company Tamiya, known for its precise detailing and advanced model kit manufacturing technology.

The Shimakaze warship was one of the most advanced destroyers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Commissioned in 1943, it stood out with its remarkable speed (over 40 knots) and powerful torpedo armament—twenty-four Type 93 ("Long Lance") torpedo tubes. Shimakaze took part in operations in the Pacific theater, including escorting convoys and naval fleet battles, until she was sunk in the Leyte Gulf area in November 1944.

The 1/700 scale model allows for a faithful recreation of this vessel’s details. The set includes precisely cast high-quality plastic parts that replicate features such as the bridge, armament, radars, and the distinctive superstructures of Japanese destroyers. The design is based on detailed historical documentation—giving you confidence in the authenticity of even the finest details of the hull and superstructures.

• Scale: 1/700
• Country of origin: Japan
• Historical period: World War II (1943–1944)
• Category: plastic model kit
• Material: high-quality plastic
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Included: all necessary components for assembly, assembly instructions
• Difficulty level: 3/5 – recommended for intermediate modelers, requiring basic skills, precision, and careful finishing

Why choose Tamiya 31460 Shimakaze? It’s an excellent choice not only for enthusiasts of World War II history and modelers building a Japanese Navy fleet, but also for 1/700 scale collectors and anyone seeking challenges in ship modeling. The kit works perfectly both as a standalone gem in your collection and as a part of Pacific battle dioramas.

We recommend this model to individuals with intermediate modeling experience who wish to develop their skills, and to fans of highly detailed miniature warships. Thanks to the clear instructions and high-quality cast parts, the build is highly satisfying and offers a great opportunity to delve into the history of the Japanese Navy.