This is a monthly publication from Japan that covers all manner of modeling subjects, ranging from finished models to kit reviews and model building tips, and includes many advertisements. Finding it on the shelves of bookstore in the US is a bit of a challenge, but it can be found online at a number of sites. It is printed on glossy paper, measures 7 1/8” by 10 1/8”, and contains 172 pages. The photo quality (a mixture of full color and black and white) is excellent. Unfortunately, for those who don’t read Japanese, it serves as a great picture book, because (with the exception of some headings and subheadings) the text is entirely in Japanese.

The May 2012 issue of Model Art contains a mix of modeling subjects. The main cover photo advertises the main feature article on the Tyrrell P34 Formula One “six-wheeler” Elf 4 and a photo inset highlights a review of Tamiya’s new 1/72 A6M5 Zero kit. The lead-in article is 46 pages long and is all about the Tyrrell racers, providing high-quality walkaround photos of the real thing, a history of the evolution of the P34, technical drawings, and includes features about building two models. Following that grand opening, the remainder of the magazine provides articles or photo features about building models of the Titanic, a JASDF T-33, Tamiya’s new 1/72 A6M5, Italeri’s new 1/48 Mk.1 Hawker Hurricane, Zvezda’s 1/72 Sukhoi SuperJet 100, Fujimi’s 1/24 De Tomaso Pantera GTS, Trumpeter’s 1/35 M1070 Truck Tractor, a 1/700 Italian Battle Ship Vittorio Veneto kit, and then concludes with full-color photo features of IJA/IJN aircraft relics and a model contest in Japan. Also sprinkled throughout are many, many pages of advertisements for manufacturers and hobby retailers.

As noted, all of the text is in Japanese, so the advertisements probably will be of little value to most of us, and some of the text in the articles cannot be read, but the photos and illustrations speak for themselves. It is an interesting look at the quality of models being built by those in Japan and the walkaround photos of the Tyrrell Formula One racers are most excellent. It is recommended to those with an interest.

My thanks to Dragon Models USA and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this issue of Model Art.