IJN Yamato (WW II version)

The powerful, fearsome and famous, Imperial Japanese Navy Yamato.

Some people may not know this but, this ship was the inspiration for Leiji Matsumoto’s Space Battleship Yamato.

IJN Yamato’s keel was laid down on November 4th 1937. She was built under secrecy in a specially built dry-dock at the Kure Naval Shipyard. IJN Yamato, and her sister ship IJN Musashi were the largest, heaviest, most powerful battleships ever built. Both these ships bested even the famous German battleship Bismarck.

Today, I will be reviewing the IJN Yamato. This will be my fifth entry into Taito’s Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.

Like most entries in this line of toys so far, IJN Yamato does not disappoint. Packaging is the usual familiar window box. The box has a few nice illustrations of the IJN Yamato.

Unlike other toys in Taito‘s Super Mechanics line-up, IJN Yamato has no assembly, Just remove from the box and display.

Yamato is a full 35cm long. That’s almost 15 inches from the gold bow medallion to it’s stern aircraft catapults. The IJN Yamato is well made and sturdy. Comprised from quality plastic and ABS.

One of IJN Yamato’s really cool features are its five rotating adjustable turrets. Another cool feature is the details, just look at those four bronze screws (propellers). Check out the realistic looking deck planking. You can clearly see all the deck hardware down to the anchor chains.

When IJN Yamato is displayed with Space Battleship Yamato you can really see how the sleek modern profile of the IJN Yamato was an inspiration for Leiji Matsumoto.

I really like this toy. It is a really nice display model without all that pain of assembly, glue and paint. As with Space battleship Yamato, its getting even harder to believe that Taito’s IJN Yamato, costs only $15.00 USD. IJN Yamato is out now and can still be bought cheaply. Get it before the price goes up.