Aoshima 1/700 Japanese Passenger Liner Kasuga-Maru Plastic Model Kit

The Aoshima 1/700 Japanese Passenger Liner Kasuga-Maru Plastic Model Kit reproduces the historic World War II-era passenger vessel. Construction commenced in January 1940 with the ship's launch occurring in September of that year. The vessel displaced 20,300 tonnes, measured 180.2 metres in length and 22.5 metres in beam, and achieved a maximum speed of approximately 25 knots. Mitsubishi constructed the ship at their Nagasaki facility for operation by Nippon Yusen shipping lines. Kasuga Maru represented one of three Nitta Maru-class liners that primarily operated on European routes with secondary American service. The class incorporated design provisions for conversion to light aircraft carriers, with the Japanese Navy providing partial funding for construction. During 1941, the Navy requisitioned Kasuga Maru and reconstructed it as the Taiyo aircraft carrier. This injection-molded plastic kit captures this significant maritime conversion.