Tamiya 1/350 25218 Japanese Navy Destroyer Yukikaze Plastic Kit
This summer marks 80 years since the end of WWII hostilities in Japan, and sees the release of the Japanese movie YUKIKAZE with a story based around the eponymous destroyer which was the only ship of her class to survive the conflict. This moving tale spanning the era from the war until the present has a strong human element; now, to commemorate the movie's opening in Japan on August 15th, this kit is released in a special packaging.
This is a 1/350 scale plastic model assembly kit Length; 338mm, width: 31mm The Yukikaze is depicted as she appeared when she embarked on the Ten-Ichi-Go operation in April 1945 - added AA guns and radar give the Yukikaze fierce presence This kit features a special packaging commemorating the release of the Japanese movie YUKIKAZE
January 20 1940 saw the commissioning of the Kagero class destroyer Yukikaze. Along with her sister ships Hatsukaze, Amatukaze, and Tokitukaze, she became part of the 16th destroyer division under the command of the light cruiser Jintsu. At the beginning of WWII, the 16th destroyer division was part of the force which captured the Philippines, and on December 5 1941, she took part in the fierce fighting with American forces near Palau and supported the invading forces at Legazpi. Afterwards, she saw action throughout the Pacific Ocean at the Dutch East Indies, Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Solomon Islands. Yukikaze also participated in the withdrawal of Guadalcanal,also participated in sea battles at the Marianas and the Leyte Gulf. Throughout WWII, the Yukikaze took part in numerous naval battles, escort duties, and supply runs, and always returned safely from each sortie. She was among the few Japanese warships and the only one of her class still operational at the end of the war, and can be called the "lucky destroyer." As part of the post-war reparation agreement, the Yukikaze was transferred to the Republic of China, and in 1966 she became a reserve training ship.
Following running aground during s typhoon in 1970 attempts were made to retun Yukikaze to Japan as a museum ship. While this proved unsuccessul her rudder and one anchor were returned for display in Japan.