The Kirishima was classified as a "fast battleship," one of the Kongo class of ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was part of the fleet that led the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, and also participated in the attack on Darwin, Australia in February 1942. She met her demise at the guns of the USS Washington during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in November of 1942.

Aoshima's kit of the Kirishima depicts the ship as she appeared in 1942. Featuring fine molding and superior detail, the kit builds into a magnificent full-hull model of the Kirishima, complete with display stand. This first-release version of the kit features metal barrels for the 15cm secondary guns and signal flag decals. 63.5cm long when completed.