Zoukei-Mura has graciously provided the IPMS Reviewer Corps with a first look at their brand new 1/32nd scale Kawasaki Ki-100-I Otsu Type 5 Fighter. Full release and distribution will be later in August 2026.

Prior to this release, the only way to get a 1/32nd scale Ki-100 was to purchase a Hasegawa Ki-61 and an Alley Cat conversion set. This new kit will fill a void for WWII Japanese fighters.

First Impression: It Looks Fabulous!

History (from Zoukei-Mura website)

The Ki‑100 Type 5 Army Fighter was a Japanese Army aircraft of World War II, developed as a derivative of the Ki‑61 Hien. By installing the Ha‑112 radial air‑cooled engine and modifying the fuselage, the Ki‑100 arose as an emergency conversion aircraft. Despite its improvised origins, it demonstrated outstanding performance, providing the Japanese Army with an unexpectedly capable fighter.

In The Box

The kit is enclosed within a big and sturdy top open box with great artwork by Darryl Legg adorning the cover.

Contents include decal markings for two aircraft, canopy masks, comprehensive instruction booklet, and 13 sprue runners labeled A through M. Eleven sprue runners are molded in gray and two (K & M) are clear. Also, the engine exhaust pipes (Sprue E) are slide molded to allow a hollow space at the exit end of the tubing. There is no photo-etch.

Instructions are contained in a 76-page booklet written in Japanese and English. The table of contents has the instructions broken into nine sections:

1. Actual Aircraft Specifications
2. Assembly Information
3. Engine
4. Fuselage
5. Wings
6. Landing Gear
7. Final Outfitting
8. Painting and Decals
9. Parts List

In the instructions, each section has large step-by-step graphics and color photos of the parts which visually help in painting some areas.

Decals are in perfect register and the colors are vibrant. Two sets of markings are provided for the following:

1. 111th Squadron, 2nd Battalion, flown by Major Yohei Hinoki commander of the 2nd Battalion, Akeno Airfield, July 1945.
2. 5th Squadron, flown by Captain Yasuhide Baba commander of 5th Squadron, Kiyosu Airfield, June 1945.

Paint colors are noted on page 6 and reference Vallejo acrylics.

The sprue runners have no flash and the molding is impressive. Panel lines are recessed, crisp, and scale appropriate. There is no rivet panel detail (like we see on newer Eduard kits) expect for areas that use DZUS and Hi-Lok since these fastener heads are larger than a rivet.

This kit provides the internal structure and components for the fuselage and wings. So, it is possible to make this a “cut away” assembly to show off all the interior workings. Very educational for all who build this kit.

Conclusion for Part 1 of the Kit Inspection

VERY IMPRESSIVE! This is a highly detailed kit based on looking at the contents. Please note, this will not be a “shake-and-bake” build. Time and patience will be needed. From this initial inspection it is highly recommended for aviation enthusiast and especially for fans of WWII Japanese aircraft in 1/32nd scale. The build sequence will be a joy for those who want to understand and learn the construction and functional intricacies of the Ki-100 as well as the history of the airplane.

I want to thank Zoukei-Mura for providing the Ki-100 kit and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review. I look forward to begin assembly and write up more in Part 2.

Highly Recommended!