Akagi

Kantai Collection continues to be a powerful force for merchandise, with licensed products covering everything from action figures to towels, and even delicious cooling fluid. Siningy recently looked at the Bath Time Collection Kitakami, a small toy boat based on the light cruiser from KanColle. Such a curious little item left me intrigued, so I snagged the Akagi from the same line just as it went on sale at HobbyLink Japan.

Like the Kitakami, the Bath Time Collection Akagi is based on an adorable illustration from artist, CHANxCO. Here, the proud fleet carrier floats serenely on a cutesy version of her namesake, while munching on a bowl of rice. It’s the kind of image that perfectly encapsulates the character and makes the perfect model for a neat toy idea.

Please check out my video review!

Akagi comes packed in a tidy little box with photos of the toy frame against some silly naval themed wallpaper.

CHANxCO’s art even makes an appearance on one side.

Even the logo is pretty cute too, with the kanji being stylized like a toy in a tub.

This Akagi is a small all-plastic toy that is roughly four inches long from bow to stern. You can easily prop the toy up on a flat surface to display the Fleet Girl in all her glory.

On the bottom of the boat is a wind-up motor that powers a pair of paddle wheels.

The wheels allow her to not only move in water, but also zip along a flat surface. Sadly, she lacks a front wheel so her rudder just sorta skids along the ground when you do this.

This 3D version of CHANxCO’s art looks really on the mark thanks to its smooth sculpting and vibrant colors.

The toy’s expression shows Akagi at her happiest: chowing down on some food.

You’ll never find a more content aircraft carrier.

In Akagi’s hands is a heaping bowl of rice that she clutches like an otter holding a clam.

The toy breaks down into three pieces for easier drying.

There was also a cut foam insert inside the carrier deck that I originally thought was just part of the packaging, but it turns out this is very useful in helping Akagi float.

If you leave the insert aside, the interior of Akagi’s deck can serve as a small hangar for hiding candy.

And without the motor, she makes for a good waterline display model aircraft carrier.

The main part of the carrier has some holes in the bottom that are not covered up when the motor is reattached, so this is where the foam helps seal the gaps. If you accidentally discarded the insert, surface tension does keep most of the water out, but leaves Akagi more prone to sinking.

I tested out Akagi in the kitchen sink (because that’s closest to the food), and she floats well enough. Remember to leave the block of foam inside the deck, otherwise Akagi will start to sink when the motor is running. For a demonstration of her wind-up motor, please refer to my video review. While Akagi doesn’t move particularly fast in the water, the idea is neat enough to try it out a few times.

“Ahh, Akagi-chan! Can I have some of your rice?”

Oh dear, now I’ve got two mouths to feed…

Overall, I have to echo siningy’s review as I too like the Bath Time Collection Akagi, but I wouldn’t recommend it at full price. Its main gimmick is a bit hit or miss, but there’s a lot to like about the toy from both a visual and tactile sense. Much like the big vinyl Rensouhou-chan I reviewed, this version of Akagi just has that kind of instant appeal that you can’t help but find charming.