【Defense Forces】 A legendary fighter that supported the founding era of the JASDF is now a model! The JASDF F-104J “Eiko,” known as the “last manned fighter” and mass-produced in Japan, appears in 1/72 scale!

When it comes to famous aircraft that carved their names into the history of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), the “F-104J” is likely the first to come to mind for many aviation fans. Its beautiful yet sharp form and its era-defining supersonic performance—the role this aircraft played went beyond simply flying; it was the very “shield” protecting Japan's skies. Now that this F-104J, commonly known as “Eiko” (Glory), is being brought back with a completely new mold in 2025, model fans and military aircraft enthusiasts are sure to be thrilled.

The birth of the F-104J was driven by the tensions of the Cold War era and a sense of mission to defend Japan's airspace. Equipped with a small but powerful engine that effortlessly broke the sound barrier, its performance earned it the nickname “the last manned fighter.” This kit, which recreates that “uniquely shaped fighter,” faithfully follows the actual aircraft's structure while thoroughly pursuing ease of assembly as a plastic model. The manufacturer's serious commitment shines through in the detailed design, which even allows for an engine-exposed display by recreating the detachable rear section.

The most prominent feature of this kit is undoubtedly its “completely new design.” The fuselage division is based on actual panel lines, ensuring a beautiful, seamless line upon completion while minimizing stress during the building process. In particular, the one-piece molding of the rear section prevents distortion or misalignment, achieving a balance of “joy in building” and “satisfaction in the finish” for everyone from beginners to veterans. It is truly a masterpiece that demonstrates how model design technology has reached a whole new level.

This F-104J was once loved by the JASDF under the name “Eiko” and later became a familiar figure to the public under the nickname “Maru-yon.” Its symbolic presence will evoke nostalgia for those who know its history and appear as an unknown romance to the younger generation. By picking up this model, you can do more than just display it; you can feel the respect for the famous aircraft that supported the dawn of the Self-Defense Forces and the passion poured into it by the engineers.