Aoshima Gallery

Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Ltd. is a Japan based model manufacturer that has been around since 1961. Aoshima has quite a large kit range of autos, waterline ships, Sci-Fi items, Japanese Samurai figures, and aircraft models. As I build mostly aircraft models these days, this page currently features models from Aoshima's 1/72 scale Detailed Aero Series line that has been produced for more than 30 years.

The Japanese words "Bunka Kyozai", which form part of Aoshima's official company name translate to "Cultural Teaching Materials" in English. This is an unusual but appropriate name for a company that makes some really interesting and educational models. Here is a link to the official Aoshima website.

In most cases, I have built the kits out of the box, however, some have been customized with after market decals and/or parts.

(above) Kit# 12 - Dauntless.

(above) Kit# 2 - Goshikisen.

(above) Kit# 3 - Reppu.

(above) Kit# 4 - Saiun.

(above) Kit# 5 - Shiun.

(above) Kit# 6 - Seiran.

(above) Kit# 7 - Zuiun.

(above) Kit# 8 - Helldiver.

(above) Kit# 9 - Hurricane IID.

(above) Kit# 10 - Buffalo.

(above) Kit# 13 - Wildcat.

(above) Kit# 15 - Kingcobra.

(above) Kit# 11 - Curtiss - (under construction).

(above) Kit# 1 - Zero Fighter - (under construction).

(above) Kit# 14 - Avenger (under construction).

(above) Kit# 14 - Avenger - Comparison Photo - The smaller fuselage (top) is Aoshima while larger fuselage (bottom) is a FROG in 1/72 scale. The Aoshima box indicates that their Avenger kit is in 1/72 scale, however, based on the above comparison I believe that it is actually a smaller scale. I have not made an exact determination, but the model might be in one of these common small scales - 1/80 scale (Japanese Model Railroad), 1/87 scale (USA Model Railroad), or 1/90 scale (Military Miniatures).

(above) Kit# 2 - Goshikisen (Under construction - a second one that will be modified to an earlier version).