When it comes to ship models, attention often focuses on battleships, aircraft carriers, and destroyers, but the Mamiya introduced here is the unsung hero who continuously supported the fleet behind the scenes. The Mamiya was the first dedicated food supply ship built by the Japanese Navy in 1924. Just hearing its name offers a glimpse into naval life at the time, making it a very intriguing subject for a model. Recreating the image of the Mamiya, which delivered warm meals and luxury foods to soldiers while navigating through warfare, feels like it holds a significance beyond a mere ship model.

The remarkable thing about this vessel is that it was not just any supply ship. It was equipped with refrigeration and freezing facilities, capable of storing meat and fresh produce, and, astonishingly, it even manufactured ice cream and yokan (sweet bean paste jelly) onboard. How much of a lifeline must “Mamiya-brand yokan” have been to the soldiers during the harsh conditions at sea? As you imagine this context while holding the model, you'll naturally put more passion into the building process.

This kit is in 1/700 scale, with a moderate size of approximately 214mm in length. The hull is a full-hull specification, but you can also finish it as a waterline model by cutting along the guidelines. The charm of modeling lies in its freedom, and this Mamiya reproduces its post-refit appearance in 1944, meticulously incorporating detail changes in response to the shifting war situation, such as the modification of the aft mast and the addition of anti-aircraft armament. This intricacy makes it an excellent model for conveying history.

Furthermore, the included parts feature a comprehensive set of seaplanes. A total of five aircraft, from the Type 90 Model 2 to the Type 0 Reconnaissance Seaplane, are included (one of each), making it an enjoyable time to plan their arrangement while imagining their operation at the time. By adding aerial movement to the static presence of a supply ship, the range of expression for your diorama greatly expands. The kit is full of the pleasure of constructing an “active at-sea supply scene” that is difficult to depict with the ship alone.

The Mamiya completed its mission after being torpedoed in December 1944, but its life was more than just a supply ship—it was “another battlefield” that continuously supported the morale and daily lives of the soldiers. This model is like a “testament” that conveys that history to the present day. It's not just about finishing the assembly; the process of recreating it with your own hands while reflecting on the past feels like a way to learn history itself.