Vintage Japanese Destroyer "Ariake" Kit, by Hasegawa / Minicraft. From the early 1970's comes this highly-detailed 1/700 scale waterline model kit of one of the Pacific Theatre's most feared vessels. The "Ariake" was a Hatsuharu-class destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Her name means "Evening", or "Dawn, But Still the Moon Remains in the Sky", or "Dawn Twilight". In July of 1943, "Ariake" was on a troop transport run to Tuluvu, New Britain. After grounding on a reef near Cape Gloucester with "Mikazuki", "Ariake" was able to work free. She removed troops from the stricken "Mikazuki" and completed the mission to Tuluvu, then returned to assist "Mikazuki"...but during this attempt her luck ran out, and she was sunk by American B-25's. This kit is UNBUILT, PARTS STILL ON TREES, FACTORY BAG UNOPENED with all of its original inserts, decals, and display stand. This hard-to-find kit is NOT the more recent Aoshima reissue, but the real deal from almost 40 years ago. The box is in G-VG condition for its age and rarity (some slight water staining is visible on the right). The backside of the box shows a detailed painting scheme diagram, to assist in historical accuracy. A wonderful piece of World War II memorabilia; one of the most storied vessels of the Japanese Navy. Only one in stock.