Tag: japan

  • Wings of the Rising Sun – Imperial Japanese Aircraft built in Lego

    Japan’s aviation industry in WWII produced some of the most iconic aircraft of the Pacific War. From the nimble Zero to experimental jet-age designs, these machines defined both Japan’s early dominance and desperate late-war innovation.

    Mitsubishi A6M Zero – The Legend of the Pacific

    The A6M Zero was Japan’s most famous fighter. Highly maneuverable, long-ranged, and deadly in the early years of the war, it dominated Allied skies. However, its light armor and lack of self-sealing fuel tanks made it vulnerable once newer Allied fighters appeared.

    Mitsubishi G4M “Betty” – The Long-Legged Bomber

    Nicknamed the “Betty” by the Allies, the G4M was Japan’s main twin-engine bomber. It had impressive range, enabling long missions across the Pacific, but like the Zero, it lacked armor and was highly flammable. Despite this, it carried out famous missions, including the attack that killed Admiral Yamamoto in 1943.

    This big model uses some brick bending to get the wings to align in the right way, striving for accuracy. It’s easier to do when the model is bigger.

    Aichi E13A “Jake” – The Recon Workhorse

    The E13A was a floatplane used extensively for reconnaissance, maritime patrol, and even bombing missions. Launched from cruisers and battleships, it served as the “eyes of the fleet” throughout the Pacific. Versatile and reliable, it was one of Japan’s most numerous seaplanes.

    Kyushu J7W Shinden – The Forward-Thinking Interceptor

    The J7W Shinden was a radical late-war prototype interceptor, designed with a canard layout and a rear-mounted engine. It was built to intercept B-29 bombers with heavy 30mm cannons. Only a handful were built before the war ended, but its futuristic design showed how far Japan was willing to push innovation.

    I decided to build this one because I saw it in the movie Godzilla Minus One.

    Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka – The “Cherry Blossom” Rocket Plane

    One of the most infamous late-war creations, the Ohka was a single manned rocket-propelled Kamikaze aircraft. Carried under a bomber until close to its target, it would then detach and dive at ships at tremendous speeds. While devastating if it struck, its short range made it vulnerable to interception. The Ohka symbolized Japan’s increasingly desperate tactics as the war drew to a close.

  • Steel of the Rising Sun – Imperial Japanese Army Vehicles

    The Imperial Japanese Army entered WWII with a mix of light tanks, medium tanks, and support vehicles designed primarily for infantry support and colonial campaigns in Asia. While they often struggled against heavier Allied armor, these vehicles played a vital role in Japan’s early successes and later desperate defenses.

    Type 95 Ha-Go – The Light Spearhead

    Type 94 Te-Ke and Type 95 Ha-Go

    The Type 95 Ha-Go was Japan’s most common light tank of the war. Lightly armored but mobile, it was effective against infantry and lightly defended positions, especially in China and early Pacific campaigns. However, by mid-war, it was badly outclassed by Allied tanks.

    Type 94 Te-Ke – The Scout Tankette

    The Type 94 Te-Ke was a small tankette used primarily for reconnaissance and infantry support. Fast and maneuverable, it could cross rough terrain but was very lightly armed and armored. It often served as a supply hauler or escort vehicle in addition to its combat role.

    Type 97 Chi-Ha – Japan’s Workhorse Medium Tank

    Type 4 Ho-Ro and Type 97 Chi-Ha

    The Type 97 Chi-Ha was the most produced Japanese medium tank of WWII. Armed with a 57mm gun (later upgraded to a 47mm high-velocity gun in the “Shinhoto” version), it formed the backbone of Japanese armored forces. Though effective early on, it struggled against the Sherman and T-34.

    Type 4 Ho-Ro – The Self-Propelled Howitzer

    The Type 4 Ho-Ro mounted a 150mm howitzer on the chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha. Used as a mobile artillery piece, it provided heavy fire support for infantry. Limited in number, it was mainly deployed in defensive roles in the Philippines and Okinawa.

    Type 3 Chi-Nu – The Late War Medium Tank

    The Type 3 Chi-Nu was developed to counter American Shermans, armed with a 75mm gun based on Japanese anti-aircraft designs. However, due to production shortages, it was built in small numbers and largely kept in Japan for homeland defense.

    Type 3 Ka-Chi – The Amphibious Tank

    The Type 3 Ka-Chi was a rare amphibious tank based on the Chi-Ha chassis. Designed for island invasions, it could move both on land and water thanks to its large pontoons and propellers. Only a handful were built, as Japan shifted to defensive warfare by the time it was introduced. This model is also my favourite of the lot, because of it’s unique look.

    Type 1 Ho-Ha – The Half-Track Transport

    The Type 1 Ho-Ha was Japan’s answer to the German Sd.Kfz. 251, a half-track used to transport infantry safely under fire. With armor protection and machine gun mounts, it improved troop mobility but was built in limited numbers.

    Type 92 Heavy Armored Car (Sumida M2593) – The Colonial Scout

    The Type 92 (Sumida M2593) was an armored car mainly used in China and Manchuria. It could run on both tracks and wheels, making it versatile for patrol and security duties. While not designed for tank combat, it was effective in colonial policing roles.

    Here’s the full tutorial on how to build these below: