Model Light cruiser IJN Sakawa 1/350 Hasegawa

The Sakawa, the last light cruiser of the Agano class

The IJN Sakawa belongs to the Agano class, a series of light cruisers developed for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II.

The class includes four ships: Agano, Noshiro, Yahagi, and finally Sakawa.

These ships are designed to serve as command ships for the destroyer and torpedo formations of the Japanese fleet. The Sakawa is the last ship of this class to enter service.

Its late entry into service occurred when Japan's military situation was already significantly different from when the Agano class was designed.

A Japanese cruiser commissioned at the end of the war

The Sakawa was completed at the end of 1944. Due to this late arrival, its career during World War II was relatively short. It notably became the flagship of the 11th Torpedo Squadron.

The evolution of the aerial threat also led to the reinforcement of the Japanese ships' anti-aircraft defense. This evolution is particularly interesting for modelers as the Hasegawa kit allows for reproducing the Sakawa in different configurations corresponding to this period.

A career that continues after 1945

The story of the Sakawa does not end immediately with the conclusion of World War II.

After the Japanese surrender, the ship was used for repatriation operations before experiencing a particularly unusual fate.

The Sakawa was ultimately used as a target ship during the American nuclear tests of Operation Crossroads on Bikini Atoll in 1946.

This unique history makes the Sakawa a distinctive subject for collectors and enthusiasts of 20th-century naval history.

A detailed 1/350 scale Hasegawa model

The Hasegawa model of IJN Sakawa at 1/350 scale allows for fully appreciating the dimensions and numerous equipment of the Japanese cruiser.

Once assembled, the model measures approximately 498.5 mm in length.

This size enables achieving a particularly imposing reproduction while providing enough space to highlight the numerous details of the deck and superstructures.

The 1/350 scale is highly regarded for military ship models as it allows for accurately reproducing the equipment, armament, and overall organization of the vessel.

An accurate reproduction of the flight deck

One of the highlights of this kit is the reproduction of the distinctive flight deck of the Sakawa.

Hasegawa notably uses photo-etched parts to achieve a finer reproduction of this specific structure.

Photo-etching allows for obtaining much finer elements than some traditional plastic parts, contributing to the overall realism of the model.

Superstructures and equipment to showcase

At 1/350 scale, the different parts of the Sakawa can be particularly well showcased during assembly and painting.

The bridge, funnels, masts, deck installations, boats, and various equipment contribute to the distinctive silhouette of the Japanese light cruiser.

Experienced modelers can also leverage the model's lines and reliefs with different painting techniques, washes, and weathering to enhance the depth of the details.

Two historical configurations of the Sakawa

One of the main attractions of the Hasegawa 40125 model lies in the ability to represent the ship in two different periods of its service.

This feature allows modelers to choose the configuration that best matches the historical model they wish to reproduce.

Sakawa – December 1944

The first configuration represents the Sakawa in December 1944, when it served as the flagship of the 11th Torpedo Squadron.

This version allows for reproducing the cruiser shortly after its entry into service with the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Sakawa – 1945 configuration

The second option represents the Sakawa in 1945 after the reinforcement of its anti-aircraft armament.

The increased anti-aircraft capabilities of Japanese ships reflect the growing importance of the aerial threat during the final phases of the Pacific War.

This configuration is a particularly interesting alternative to depict the Sakawa in its late war configuration.

A nearly 50 cm Japanese boat model

With a finished length of approximately 49.85 cm, this Sakawa model becomes a true collector's piece once assembled and painted.

Its dimensions allow for fully appreciating the slender proportions of the Agano class and the arrangement of the ship's various equipment.

The 1/350 scale also offers many possibilities for modelers wishing to enhance the level of detail through painting, weathering, or adding additional details.

Features of the Hasegawa IJN Sakawa model

• Brand: Hasegawa
• Manufacturer reference: 40125
• Model: IJN Sakawa
• Class: Agano
• Type: light cruiser
• Navy: Imperial Japanese Navy
• Product type: plastic model of a military ship
• Scale: 1/350
• Model length: approximately 498.5 mm
• Proposed configurations: December 1944 and 1945
• Photo-etch: included for some elements
• Assembly: model to be assembled and painted
• Glue: not included
• Paints: not included

Why choose the Hasegawa IJN Sakawa model in 1/350 scale?

This 1/350 scale model of the IJN Sakawa is a particularly interesting choice for enthusiasts of Imperial Japanese Navy ships and naval models from World War II.

Its appeal lies first and foremost in the represented ship. The Sakawa is the fourth and final light cruiser of the Agano class and has a unique career that extends beyond the Japanese surrender.

The option to choose between a December 1944 configuration and a 1945 configuration with reinforced anti-aircraft armament also adds genuine historical interest to the assembly. In addition, the model's generous dimensions contribute to its appeal.

With nearly 50 cm in length once completed, the Sakawa commands a significant presence on display and allows for a full appreciation of the characteristic details of a 1/350 scale naval model.

The presence of photo-etched parts to delicately replicate certain structures, notably the flight deck, further enhances the appeal of this Hasegawa model.

This model will fit perfectly in a collection dedicated to Japanese cruisers of World War II, Agano class vessels, or more broadly to 1/350 scale military ship models.

Model to be assembled and painted. Glue, paints, and modeling tools sold separately.