Plastic model kit of IJN battleship MUTSU 1:350

IJN battleship MUTSU 1:350

Plastic model kit of Japanese destroyer to be assembled by gluing and painting.

This model is a reproduction of the battleship ‘Mutsu’ at the start of the war in 1941!

It includes photo-etched parts for the railings specific to the Mutsu.

The Japanese battleship Mutsu is one of the most emblematic units of the Imperial Japanese Navy at the beginning of World War II.

Commissioned in 1921, she belonged to the prestigious Nagato class, the first battleships in the world equipped with 410 mm main guns, symbolizing Japan’s naval power during the interwar period. In 1941, as the Pacific War began, Mutsu still embodied the concept of maritime supremacy, combining firepower, elegant lines, and advanced naval engineering.

Designed as a capital ship intended for decisive fleet engagements, Mutsu underwent several modernizations during the 1930s.

These upgrades notably improved her anti-aircraft armament, propulsion system, and overall silhouette, including the distinctive pagoda mast that became a hallmark of Japanese battleships.

In her early war 1941 configuration, the ship displayed a well-balanced combination of main artillery, secondary guns, and defensive capabilities, before later modifications imposed by the growing dominance of naval aviation.

From a strategic perspective, Mutsu primarily served a deterrent and symbolic role. Stationed mainly in Japanese home waters, she acted as a flagship and training platform for naval crews.

Unlike other battleships that took part in major naval engagements, Mutsu did not directly participate in the large-scale battles of the early Pacific War. This limited operational use paradoxically enhances her historical value, preserving an authentic example of Japanese naval doctrine in 1941, just before aircraft carriers definitively replaced battleships as the dominant force at sea.

Mutsu’s career ended abruptly in 1943, when a massive internal explosion destroyed the ship while at anchor. The exact causes remain debated, involving technical failures and human error. This tragic loss deeply affected the Imperial Japanese Navy and symbolized the gradual decline of the battleship era in favor of air power.

Recreating the battleship Mutsu as a plastic model kit to assemble allows modelers to relive this pivotal moment in naval history.

At 1:350 scale, the powerful silhouette, detailed superstructures, and complex armament are faithfully reproduced. Every element, from the deck to the main turrets, reflects the ship’s exact appearance at the beginning of the war in 1941.

Renowned for their precision and historical accuracy, HASEGAWA kits provide an excellent foundation for demanding naval modeling projects.

This HASEGAWA model kit to assemble of IJN Mutsu is ideal for enthusiasts seeking an authentic and rewarding build. Designed for both collectors and experienced modelers, this plastic model kit to assemble stands as a centerpiece in any World War II battleship collection.