Aoshima
Aoshima is a Japanese model manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1924, when Jiro Aoshima founded an aeroplane research institute in Shizuoka Prefecture. The company began manufacturing wooden model aircraft kits in 1929, transitioned to plastic model kit production in 1961, and has since grown into one of the most respected names in Japanese scale modelling. Aoshima is based in Shizuoka, the heartland of the Japanese model industry, alongside neighbours Tamiya and Hasegawa.
The Aoshima catalogue is broad and distinctive. The brand is best known for its 1/24 scale car kits, which range from faithful replicas of Japanese sports cars and tuned street machines to iconic vehicles from film and television, including the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future and KITT from Knight Rider. Beyond cars, Aoshima produces aircraft, ships, motorcycles, trucks and science fiction subjects, including officially licensed Thunderbirds vehicles originally tooled by Imai. In 2008, Aoshima pioneered the hugely popular Itasha category, producing model car kits featuring anime-style wrap liveries, which became a significant commercial success in Japan and internationally.
At Wonderland Models, we stock a selection of Aoshima model kits. Shop securely online for express shipping or visit our in-store experts in Edinburgh for personalised advice.
Aoshima
Aoshima is a Japanese model manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1924, when Jiro Aoshima founded an aeroplane research institute in Shizuoka Prefecture. The company began manufacturing wooden model aircraft kits in 1929, transitioned to plastic model kit production in 1961, and has since grown into one of the most respected names in Japanese scale modelling. Aoshima is based in Shizuoka, the heartland of the Japanese model industry, alongside neighbours Tamiya and Hasegawa.
The Aoshima catalogue is broad and distinctive. The brand is best known for its 1/24 scale car kits, which range from faithful replicas of Japanese sports cars and tuned street machines to iconic vehicles from film and television, including the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future and KITT from Knight Rider. Beyond cars, Aoshima produces aircraft, ships, motorcycles, trucks and science fiction subjects, including officially licensed Thunderbirds vehicles originally tooled by Imai. In 2008, Aoshima pioneered the hugely popular Itasha category, producing model car kits featuring anime-style wrap liveries, which became a significant commercial success in Japan and internationally.
At Wonderland Models, we stock a selection of Aoshima model kits. Shop securely online for express shipping or visit our in-store experts in Edinburgh for personalised advice.
- Aoshima RakuPla Snap Kits
The RakuPla series is Aoshima’s innovative range of pre-coloured snap-together car kits that require no painting or glue. Each kit arrives with parts moulded in the correct body colour and snaps together for a satisfying finished model with minimal effort. The RakuPla range covers many of the most popular JDM cars and makes an excellent entry point for newcomers to scale modelling or a quick weekend project for experienced builders.
- Aoshima Ship and Military Kits
Aoshima produces a comprehensive range of 1:700 scale warship kits with a particular focus on the Imperial Japanese Navy. The waterline ship range covers battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and submarines, with many subjects renewed with modern tooling. Beyond ships, Aoshima also produces military vehicle kits and a distinctive range of sci-fi and mecha model kits drawn from Japanese anime and pop culture properties.
- Why Buy Aoshima from Wonderland Models?
Wonderland Models stocks a selection of Aoshima plastic model kits including cars, motorcycles, ships and more. Whether you are building a JDM classic, tackling a waterline warship, or trying a RakuPla snap kit for the first time, our team can help. We offer fast UK delivery with express options, secure online ordering, and the specialist knowledge that comes from over 50 years in the hobby. Visit our Edinburgh store or shop online with confidence.
- What is Aoshima best known for?
Aoshima is best known for its 1:24 scale car kits, particularly its extensive range of Japanese domestic market vehicles. The brand covers subjects that most other manufacturers do not, including modified, tuned and racing variants of iconic JDM cars.
- What are Aoshima RakuPla kits?
RakuPla kits are pre-coloured snap-together car models that require no painting or glue. Parts are moulded in the correct body colour and click together, making them ideal for beginners or as quick display projects.
- What scales does Aoshima produce?
Aoshima produces car kits in 1:24 scale, motorcycle kits in 1:12 scale, and warship kits in 1:700 scale. Some specialist subjects are available in other scales.
- Are Aoshima kits good quality?
Yes. Aoshima kits benefit from Japanese precision engineering with clean moulding, accurate detail and good fit. The brand has been manufacturing model kits for over 100 years and is one of the most respected names in the Japanese modelling industry.