We have organized the Japanese submarine models on this page, you scroll with your mouse over them you can see the scale, the maker, and the name of the submarine.

The I-58 Japanese submarine served during the latter part of World War II and was the craft that sank the USS Indianapolis on 30th July 1945. Before the end of the war, though, she was captured by the US Navy and scrapped shortly after. Throughout her short service life she carried onboard 25 torpedoes, as well as 6 Kaiten manned torpedoes, although the Indianapolis was sunk by the regular sort. It was active during the Japanese attack on Guam, as well as being involved in Operation Tan No. 2 and Operation Ten-Go. The wreck now lies near to the Gotu Islands, where it was left at the bottom of the ocean by US forces.

For those that love Japanese naval history – or indeed just naval history – there is now the chance to purchase a model kit of this famous and destructive submarine. The 1/350 scale model produced by AFV Club Models is a great quality piece of kit and will happily keep even the pickiest of modellers entertained for hours up on end.

One feature that collectors will love about this model is the choice of whether to have it as a waterline or full hull display – meaning that it can be created with only the top of the craft showing, simulating it being half-submerged. There are also many photo etched parts included, that are precise replicas of the real thing and will greatly improve the look and feel of the model. Also included are all of the pieces that will be needed – including a new tooling upper hull and a pressure hull – as well as excellent instructions to guide the modeller. Not included, however, are paints or glue – any serious modeller will have plenty of those to hand anyway!

This kit would be a great present for anyone who is a fan of these kits, as it is high quality and something different from the normal British, German or American submarines that can be bought. It is also great for the person buying, as it is not expensive at all!

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The I-19 Japanese submarine was a craft used in the Second World War to devastating effect against the US Naval fleet. It was not only responsible for the sinking of the USS Wasp and USS O’Brien, but also for causing significant damage to the USS North Carolina in the Guadalcanal campaign. As well as being armed with a complement of 17 torpedoes, the I-19 often assisted the Japanese war effort by transporting men and arms where they were needed, earning it the nickname the “Tokyo Express”. It was sunk in 1943 by the USS Radford and now lies 90km west of Makin Island, along with all of its crew.

Fans of World War II military history can now buy this most destructive of crafts as a model kit, which is perfect for those relatives who are looking to buy a great present for their loved one. It is of great quality and will keep the avid enthusiast busy for weeks as they recreate it in all off its scaled down glory.

The kit consists of many pieces, all of which are of a high quality standard and essential for the overall look of the submarine. There are also high quality photo etched parts that come as standard, again adding to the realism of this product. All of the parts of the submarine – no matter how small – are represented in the kit, including the pressure hull. The kit also gives the option to show the submarine in either all its glory or in a waterline pose – by which it’s meant that the submarine looks as though it is surfacing and only the top can be seen.

In conclusion, this is a fantastic purchase for any adult fan, but is probably not suitable for younger children, as it is quite difficult to build and also contains some small parts.

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The Japanese I-361 class submarine or the “Gata Sensuikan” was an arsenal of the Imperial Japanese Navy during the World War II. The I-373 was an upgrade of the I-361 class, so most of the features of the earlier model of submarine can also be found on the later model. The other names of the Imperial Japanese Navy for their following boats are: I-361 – the Sen-yo, or the transport submarine, I-372 – Sen-yukai, or the modified transport submarine, and the I-373, or the Tei-gata kai, also another name for the modified type transport submarine. The need of the Imperial Japanese Navy to make a mode of safe transport during battle, for their great arsenal became imminent after the Battle of Midway. Their target was to transport a number of troops and vehicles to the area of the enemy which has superior air support, and try to destroy it.

Because it was intended for transport, the first submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy were not equipped with torpedoes. But since the effectivity of submarines to pass the waters with out being detected (sonar during that time were not yet developed), they decided to put torpedoes in their submarines and make it as an attack submarine). The Hasegawa company, makers of car, ship models, have created a perfectly designed model of the Japanese I-361/171 submarine model. This company have concentrated their production in the Naval forces of the Japanese Navy during the 2nd world war.

The Hasegawa submarine model has a 1:700 scale, and the package comes with a spruce tree stand. The model package has small parts that is why it is intended only for childrens 10 years of age and up. Glue for connecting of the parts and paint for its color is needed for the completion of the model submarine.

A naval model collection will not be complete without the I-361 in your collection. It represented the advancements in submarine design within the Japanese Imperial Navy during the second World War and it has been instrumental in some historically significant events. Any enthusiast and hobbyist would surely want one of these in their collection!

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The C3 type of submarines were made by the Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan. These served under the Imperial Japanese Navy as cargo carriers. The Japanese planned to construct 20 of these gigantic submarines during the 2nd world war but only finished constructing three (3) units due to the limited supply of the parts needed. The size of this cargo submarine is 356 feet by 30 feet by 17 feet which made it one of the biggest submarines in its class. This submarine class is capable of traveling at a speed of 6.5 knots while submerged but can travel as fast as 17.75 knots when traveling at the surface. The C3 submarine can travel as far as 39,000 kilometers at its regular cruising speed of 16 knots.

One of the first C3 type submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy was the I-52. This submarine was commissioned last December 28, 1943 into the 11th Marine Squadron of the IJN. After training in Japan, the submarine was chosen for an exchange (or “Yanagi”) mission in Germany. This submarine was sunk by an aircraft from the carrier USS Bogue (CVE-9) 800 miles away from the shores of Azores. The submarine was carrying rubber, gold, quinine, and Japanese engineers that were sent to work for Germany. Another Japanese submarine carrier of the C3 type was the I-53 submarine. This submarine was captured by the US Navy and was brought to the Goto Islands in 1946. The last of the carrier submarines of the Japanese was the I-55 which was sunk by the destroyer USS Gilmer in the waters of Saipan last July 14, 1944.

The Lindberg Models, makers of quality models have created the well crafted submarine model of the Japanese C3 submarine. This company is based in the United States, and have been making quality toy models for many years already. The submarine model has high details and has over 300 parts in its package. The model package includes a mother ship and a mini submarine. The model has a dimension of 58.5 inches by 6 inches by 8 inches, and needs good assembling skills.

This is a must have for history buffs, model hobbyists, and enthusiasts alike. The C-3 submarines are unique in their function as supply carrier submarines unlike their standard roles as attack vehicles.

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The Harushio class submarines are part of the submarine fleet of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. This submarine class is powered by diesel-electric engines. The design of this submarine class is an upgrade from the previous Yushio class, wherein the Harushio class is much larger in size and has a much quieter engine, but the appearance of the two submarines are almost similar to each other. After the Second World War though, none of the submarines from this class ever survived.

The name Harushio means spring tide in English. This submarine has a 2,750 tons displacement while it is submerged. The length of this submarine class is around 87 meters. This vessel is manned by 10 officers and 65 enlisted personnel. The sonar equipment of this submarine class are the Hughes/ Oki ZQQ 5B hull mounted sonar, and its radar is the JRC ZPS 6 I-band search radar. These submarines are armed with 6 torpedo tubes with 533 millimeters sized torpedoes. It is capable of 20 reloads of the following types of torpedoes: type 80 ASW torpedo, UGM-84 Harpoon and type 89 torpedo. This was one of the most expensive submarines of the Japanese, the construction cost during its time was almost 45 billion yen.

The Lindberg Models company, makers of quality models have created the well crafted submarine model of the Japanese C3 submarine. This company is based in the United States, and they have been making quality toy models for many years already. The submarine model has been made in high detail and has over 300 parts in its package. The model package includes a mother ship and a mini submarine. The model has a dimension of 58.5 inches by 6 inches by 8 inches, and needs assembling skills. This model has a scale of 1:72, and is one of the larger sized models of naval vessels.

Lindberg models are made out of high quality material and they are very detailed in their design, making their models lifelike in appearance. The JMSDF SS Harushio submarine model is no exception. As any model aficionado will attest to, having one of their models in your collection is a must.

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The Oyashio class submarines of the Japanese are diesel-electric powered submarines which are operated by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. This branch was formed after the disbandment of the Imperial Japanese Navy. This is became under the branch of the Japan Self Defense Force. There are 11 boats that are included in this class and the last boat of this class was commissioned last 2008. This submarine class was made larger compared to the Harushio class so that it can provide space for the flank sonar array. Its sonar systems were based on the American designed but were modified to suit the taste of the Japanese.

The Japanese trademark in the electronics expertise started to be incorporated in the Oyashio class submarines. Japanese designed radar and electronics were installed in this submarine. This submarine is 268 feet long, and carries 20 torpedoes called UGM-84C Harpoon missiles. The Oyashio class was very different from the older Japanese submarines because its outside design has the look similar to that of the British submarines. It also has fins that has more efficient hydrodynamic shape. Model maker, Easy Model, have made the most accurate submarine model of the Japanese Oyashio class. This model belongs to the Platinum Collection of Easy Model, which are very affordable, plastic made models of naval vessels.

The model is 4.5 inch long and 0.5 inch wide. The scale of the submarine model is 1:700, and the model has been assembled already, and painted and ready to be displayed. The recommended age of the manufacturer for the persons who can handle this model is from 14 years old and above. The model package comes in a very safe and sturdy box therefore making this model a perfect addition to your submarine model collection, so why don’t you grab one now?

Another special Japanese submarine is the C-3 class I-53 with Kaiten torpedoes. First made in 1943 in the Kure Naval Dockyard this submarine (three were made during the war) could carry four to five kamikaze human piloted torpedoes on the deck of the submarine. It is known that the I-53 sank the navy destroyer USS Underhill, probably by one of it’s six 21 inch torpedo tubes on the bow of the submarine. The I-53 carries a total of 19 torpedoes. About the model: it is scaled: 1:72, highly detailed and has over 300 parts. This submarine model is for the more experienced builder.

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The Sen Toku I 400 class submarines were the largest submarines and the pride of the Imperial Japanes Navy during the WWII. Japan was planning to expand their fleet with 18 of these I 400 submarines but produced only three in a year. They were named the I 400, I 401 and I 402. With four engines and 400 feet of length these monsters of the sea were real killing machines. The Sen Toku I 400 Class had one other special feature above other “normal” submarines. It could carry three Aichi M6a Seiran aircraft which it could launch in the air with a catapult. The Tamiya I 400 haves a 1:350 scale and is very detailed. Because of small parts it is not for children under 3 years. This model uses paint, glue and modeling tools.

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Hobby Boss is fairly new to the game and have ambition to become one of the biggest manufacturers in the modeling world. They produce their models in Wai Mou (Macau) and are a part of Huihuang Electric Appliance Co. Ltd. They offer a lot models and we have 16 submarine models available for you. Most of them are scaled 1:750 and two of them are scaled 1:350. The overall skill level is level 2, so the models are excellent for beginning model builders. The models are easy to assemble for children from the age of 10.