Hello, SWS Brothers~~!!
I hope everyone is doing well.
Thanks to you all, I am doing great, enjoying my hobbies to the fullest!
In this edition, we share a report on Zoukei-Mura’s participation at the recent Scale ModelWorld (IPMS UK Nationals) in Telford, along with an exciting announcement: the upcoming release of “Concept Note No. XII Bf 109 G” scheduled for late January.
Visiting from Japan in late autumn, we were excited to share the latest Zoukei-Mura update with SWS fans from around the world.
▋As always, before leaving Japan, we ran simulations and set up a test booth. However, this year’s Zoukei-mura booth is tiny! Massive SWS kits are stacked high in a very cramped space. We had no choice but to pile some under the table and behind the booth—but even then, just look at this!
What will become of this? At this stage… well, we had no idea!
After several years away due to COVID-19, Zoukei-Mura finally returned to Scale ModelWorld in Telford. As it was our first time back in a while, we choser the smallest booth with a small team of dedicated staff.
Coming all the way from Japan drew plenty of attention—fans started checking out SWS kits during the booth setup. Our team barely had time to finish preparations before diving into helping customers, and things quickly got busy.
To everyone who visited—and especially those who launched a morning “assault” on the Zoukei-Mura booth—thank you so much!
Next year, we plan to return with a big booth, just like before, so stay tuned and look forward to it!
▋Direct from Japan! “What will happen to this huge stock of SWS kits...!?”
All those worries from our staff vanished the moment the doors opened—look at this! Thrilled to see so many passionate modelers lining up, having already chosen which SWS kit they wanted to buy. Thank you so much, everyone!
The 1/32 Bf 109 G-4 will undoubtedly shine as one of the finest masterpieces in your collection.
▋Oh—this modeler picked the 1/32 Shinden! Excellent choice! This aircraft was Japan’s last hope during the final days of WWII, a desperate project by the Imperial Navy that barely reached the prototype stage. And this kit was our very first Zoukei-Mura SWS kit. Back then, our techniques were still in its early stages, so the build requires considerable skill.
Please repeat careful test-fits on each part and enjoy the process—your patience and efforts will truly pay off!
▋The Bf 109 kits are flying off the shelves into the hands of middle-aged and older modelers!
Those who know, truly appreciate the incredible value packed into this kit—what you get for the price is outstanding. Thank you for making it part of your collection!
We're sure that the moment you open this kit in your room, you will be smiling with pure joy! And that very moment is when all our hard work feels completely worth it.
▋Oh! You’ve chosen the 1/32 Ta152—what an excellent choice!
This kit holds so many memories for us at Zoukei-mura. Its development was a long and challenging journey: we spent countless hours at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, photographing the dismantled aircraft, measuring every part, turning those into drawings, and building prototype after prototype. Of course, back then our tooling technology was still in its early stages, so by today’s standards, this kit has its imperfections. But with your passion and skill, we’re confident you’ll turn it into a fantastic model and enjoy every moment of the build. Comparing the early SWS kits with our newer releases might be part of the fun!
▋Scale ModelWorld in Telford runs for just two days—time seems plentiful, but it really isn’t! From the main contest to the creative displays by modelling teams, specialist retailers’ booths, and manufacturers like us showcasing new products and selling kits, the hours fly by in an instant. Miss this chance, and you’ll have to wait a whole year. So, what would you do? No wonder everyone here is so focused and serious!
▋Oh! The Ki-45 Toryu, the Bf 109, and the Shinden—fantastic choices!
It’s such a joy to see interest in Japanese aircraft here in the UK, and even more so to know that these expensive SWS kits are being added to your collections. We truly feel fortunate! The Toryu kit includes not only the standard parts but also a full set of clear parts, allowing you to enjoy the aircraft’s internal mechanisms even after assembly. Choose whichever style you prefer and have fun building!
▋Wow—look at all these "SWS brothers" lined up! And welcome to the 1/32 Bf 109 kit!
This compact fighter, a true icon of the WWII German Luftwaffe, will be recreated by your hands.
At Zoukei-mura, we’re committed to bringing as many variants as possible to life. No matter how many years it takes, we’ll keep challenging ourselves to make every Bf 109 type available as a kit.
So to all Bf 109 fans—please be patient and keep supporting us along the way!
▋Here we go again, the 1/32 Ta 152! And the highly praised, the Fw 190, plus the Ki-45 Toryu!
The Fw 190 A-4 kit is regarded as the ultimate plastic model—one that many say only Zoukei-mura could make possible. This masterpiece by Dr. Kurt Tank is recreated in stunning detail, starting with the BMW engine and its unique mounting system, the complex arrangement of intake and exhaust pipes, and continuing through the cockpit details, landing gear, and armament. It answers all those long-standing questions aviation fans have had.
Even if you’re not a 1/32 scale fan, we highly recommend adding it to your collection!
▋The Zoukei-mura booth’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down!
From 1/32 and 1/48 kits to tools, materials, Concept Notes, and more, our small team is so busy that even grabbing a drink or lunch is a challenge. Thanks to everyone’s support, the towering stockpile is running low.
Your smiles and that decisive moment when you choose to make a purchase—that’s the greatest reward for us.
▋Wow—48th scale F-4! Among all those 1/32 kits, this F-4 series of nine variants has earned high praise: “Zoukei-Mura does great work even on modern jets in 1/48 scale.”
And now, only the reconnaissance “RF” type remains! Development of that RF version is steadily progressing.
I’d love to show it to you soon, but since 1/32 development is the top priority for Zoukei-Mura, please give us a little more time. And look at the far right of the photo—there’s a beautiful modeler smiling while holding the Fw 190! This year’s Scale ModelWorld is fantastic!
▋SWS kits are flying off the shelves—thank you so much! The Bf 109, the 1/48 Ta152, and the 1/32 Skyraider AD-6! So exciting! Cheers to you who will build that AD-6 in its stunning Midnight Blue!
That massive, heavy-duty aircraft will add even more brilliance to your completed model collection!
▋“Look. It's me right here!” That smile in front of the raffle sign says it all. Our SWS brother, you look amazing!
Seeing that joyful smile is exactly why we’ve dreamed of doing this work and being part of this event. What an incredible moment that it’s come true!
It makes me want to shout: “Long live scale modelers around the world! Banzai!” And thank you so much for your purchases of the F-4 and Bf 109!
▋Here it is. 1/32 Ho 229 B, everyone! For this kit, we spent countless hours at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, thoroughly researching the dimensions and shape of the actual single-seat aircraft. Based on that, and after carefully studying various plans, Zoukei-Mura applied its own unique interpretation to bring you the ultimate 1/32 scale kit.
Of course, every part of this development reflects the originality and distinctive values of the Zoukei-Mura team, striving to recreate a kit that is truly one of a kind. Thanks to that effort, we’ve received tremendous positive feedback and praise, “Plastic model kits have come this far!” To everyone who purchased this masterpiece, we extend our dheartfelt gratitude. Thank you so much!
▋And once again, a beautiful modeler holding the SWS 1/48 F-4E!
What’s happening at this year’s Scale ModelWorld? If more women are joining the modeling community, that’s something we wholeheartedly welcome. Big applause!!
In fact, here in Japan, we’ve been seeing more and more women stepping into the modeling world recently. It’s exciting—and honestly, it makes me feel a little restless. Am I the only one? Come on, veteran modelers, keep it up!
▋The event is moving along nicely. Zoukei-Mura booth is still buzzing with happy older modelers picking up SWS kits. When we asked if we could take a picture of them for this blog, almost everyone gladly agreed. We’re truly happy and grateful!
As you know, SWS kits are designed with a very detailed concept, which means lots of parts and a complex assembly process. So please take your time—step by step—carefully checking each step as you work toward completion.
And a word of caution: rushing through with the attitude of “I’m experienced, this is easy” can lead to trouble! Slow and steady wins the day.
▋Oh! They look like a couple. A big round of applause for the wife who supports her modeler husband!
SWS kits are premium products, so please take your time and enjoy both the building process and the satisfaction of a perfect finish.
The two photos on the right show completed SWS kits—both classic and new—alongside mock-ups of the latest releases. SWS kits have a unique charm: only those who actually build them can truly understand the thrill of assembling parts in a way that feels like solving a puzzle. The intricate steps and clever engineering are something you’ll only experience with SWS. So if you haven't, why not try building an SWS kit yourself? It’s sure to bring you delightful surprises!
▋It looks like the 1/32 Bf 109 G-4 is already close to selling out!
The stock pile in the back is getting noticeably smaller. Thanks to all of you, the hard work we put into development is being rewarded by the modelers attending the event. Thank you! Your smiles—and knowing these kits will be in your hands and part of your collections—are joys beyond compare.. Please take a moment to feel the passion and dedication we’ve poured into every single part. There’s a Japanese saying: “God dwells in the details.” We’ll keep that in our hearts as we continue striving forward.
▋One after another, older modelers’ smiles and their choices are lighting up the Zoukei-Mura booth!
We’ve worked hard to deliver the very best, so your collection will have to compromise.
Beyond the kit itself, take a close look at the quality of the instruction manual and decals. And don’t miss the beauty of the package art. With plastic, the magical medium, you’ll feel as if you’re assembling a real aircraft piece by piece. That’s the sensation we aim to create—and we’ll keep striving to develop scale model kits that bring that dream to life.
▋“I’ve got it! This is my haul from the show!”
That’s the kind of voice we’re hearing—and we couldn’t be more grateful. Where did you come from?
You’ve spent your time and travel expenses to attend the event and then visit the Zoukei-Mura booth —here all the way from far-off Japan—to purchase an SWS kit. We’re truly thrilled and filled with gratitude beyond words. Your dream is our dream. Please look forward to what’s coming next from SWS!
▋Smiles, smiles, and more smiles!
I completely understand that feeling, fellow modelers. The event hall is packed with things you want and countless items that catch your interest. And yet, you chose to pick up an SWS kit at our booth.
Do you know how much that means to us, how much encouragement and support it gives for future kit development? Words can’t express it. I keep looking at these photos over and over again, filled with gratitude.
Thank you so very much!
▋Yes! Now you’re officially part of the proud SWS brotherhood. Are you my younger brother, or maybe my older one? Either way, through SWS kits, I can’t help but think of modelers around the world as brothers. Forgive me for that, brother!
You’ve worked hard to find this kit, brother. And there’s more effort ahead, buying it and building it. But thanks to brothers like you, we can keep pushing forward with development tomorrow and beyond.
Thank you, brothers!!
▋Take a look behind them.
The SWS kit stock is getting pretty low! There are still plenty of undecided modelers wandering around the hall, so the real showdown is just beginning.
And who’s that? Someone thinking, “Maybe I’ll wait and see if I win the Zoukei-Mura raffle”? No way! Well... if I were at the event, I might find that idea fun too. But here’s the truth: buying before the raffle. That’s the real winning move!
▋And here we are—the moment has finally come.
There are only a few SWS kits left in stock! Miss this chance, and you’ll face days of regret and remorse until next year. So don’t let your guard down! Now, should you go all in and spend every last penny on SWS kits? Well… maybe not.
But rest assured, we’ve developed these kits so you’ll never feel a single ounce of regret. On behalf of Zoukei-Mura, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who purchased an SWS kit at this event.
Thank you so much!!
▋These prototypes are making their debut at this event: the highly anticipated 1/32 Japanese Army fighter Ki-100 (Type 5 Fighter) and the P-51B/C. We’re still at an early stages, navigating on a winding road of development with plenty of unknowns ahead. But for now, we’ve reached this milestone and wanted to share them with everyone here.
As always, staying true to the SWS philosophy,
both kits are being developed with these core concepts: "Accurate and beautiful aircraft form", "Structure and mechanisms that feel like assembling the real aircraft", "Instruction manual that makes building a joy" and "High-quality decals to deliver a stunning finish."
Please stay tuned and look forward to the completion and release of these kits!
That’s right!
The star of the show this time was without a doubt the SWS 1/32 Bf 109 G-4!
One after another, happy modelers lined up and walked away grinning, clutching their long-awaited SWS kits.
And that’s not all—the Zoukei-Mura booth unveiled the latest test shot of the 1/32 Japanese Army fighter Ki-100 Type 5 along with a 3D-printed mock-up of the 1/32 “P-51B/C! Getting an up-close look at these two legendary reciprocating-engine fighters was a real thrill! The anticipation among fans reached its peak—excited voices filled the air, eager eyes studying every detail.
Both kits are now entering the final stage of development, with release planned for next year!
Decals, instruction manual, and package design are also underway. Soon, these rare and iconic aircraft will be part of your collection!
This was it—the most thrilling moment at the SMW venue for the Zoukei-Mura booth: the legendary “Zoukei-Mura Raffle”!
Once again, we gave away incredible prizes—from SWS kits to Zoukei-Mura logo T-shirts and Concept Note books. With such amazing prizes offered so generously, how could it not be a hit? And to our neighboring booths: thank you for bearing with us during the storm of cheers and excited modelers!
For that brief moment, middle-aged and older men from around the world turned into excited boys again, filled with anticipation and pure joy. And honestly, wasn’t that just wonderful?
▋Before the raffle, everyone is asked to fill out the survey to enter—our little tradition!
Surprisingly, everyone takes it seriously, though. Soon the winners will be drawn, and those focused looks say it all!
▋Am I going to win? I think I will. You’d better pick my number! I’ve got a feeling it’s my turn. No, it’s definitely me!
The excitement is palpable—everyone’s buzzing with anticipation in front of the Zoukei-Mura booth, faces lit up with joy and playful chatter. You are going to win for sure!
▋Come on, hurry up! I’ve filled out the survey—start the raffle now!!
Faces are starting to flush with excitement. Some folks are even holding off on buying their Zoukei-Mura kits, betting they’ll win!
▋And now, the raffle begins! My son “Kuni,” with his Japanese-style English, calls out the winning numbers and names at the top of his voice, filling every corner of the venue.
Each announcement sparks cheers, sighs, and renewed hope—turning the hall into a buzz of excitement!
▋Surveys, raffles, winners, gasps, smiles, renewed hopes-the famous Zoukei-Mura raffle at IPMS keeps the excitement going! Participation is free, and anyone who fills out a survey has a chance to win. No wonder the crowd is fired up!
▋Wow—you won the 1/48 F-4!
Fantastic! Now you can experience the true essence of the legendary Zoukei-Mura craftsmanship. Enjoy every detail!
▋Wow—you won the 1/48 F-4, too! I can clearly see your smile!
Thank you so much for the survey. We’ll be looking forward to seeing that smile again next time!
▋And then, a female fan got the 1/48 F-4, too! Unbelievable!
This is making me happy too. Is she a scale modeler?
Well, if you win something, it’s yours, right? Winning is always exciting!
▋And luck strikes a young fan, too! We’re giving away the Japanese Army Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter “Toryu”!
A kit only Zoukei-Mura could create—rare, meticulously researched, and packed with precision and detail!
▋Woohoo, you got the SWS F-4! This kit is fantastic.
I’m honored that it became the ultimate gift to commemorate your visit to this IPMS Nationals.
When you finish it, please let us know.
▋Ohhh! Great! You won the 1/32 Hs 129 Henschel! It’s the B-3 variant—the one equipped with the cannon! You can almost picture the Allied tank crews turning pale. Take your time and enjoy the precision as you build it.
▋This young fan won the 1/32 AD-6 Skyraider! Congratulations!
Bring this beast of an attack aircraft to life with your skilled hands.
Its power and presence can only be achieved with the precision of Zoukei-Mura kit.
This year’s Scale ModelWorld was truly an enjoyable event. For Zoukei-Mura, returning after a long absence felt like coming home—filling our hearts with relief and happiness.
Also,
we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your purchases of SWS kits, Concept Notes, tools, and materials at the SMW venue. Thanks to your incredible support, nearly all the products we brought found their way into your collections!
The words of encouragement and shared passion we received in person deeply moved our entire team. In those moments, all the challenges, worries, and hardships of development seemed to vanish—replaced by gratitude and inspiration.
On behalf of Zoukei-Mura, I would like to express my deepest gratitude.
To all the SWS brothers who visited us at the venue, we appreciate your heartfelt support and friendship.
Thank you so much!
We hope that our SWS kits will continue to bring special value to your collections and remain cherished companions in your hobby for many years to come.
From far away under the skies of Japan, we send you our warmest wishes.
Hideyuki Shigeta
President, Zoukei-Mura
To all SWS kit “Bf 109” owners and Bf 109 fans around the world, Thank you for waiting! The long-awaited Zoukei-Mura Concept Note No. XII is finally set for launch.
It’s the legendary 109! This SWS Concept Note is packed with meticulously curated content, stunning sample builds by five talented modelers, and an abundance of high-quality reference material guaranteed to impress. Don’t miss out—add this latest Bf-109 G Concept Note to your collection!
Today is December 26th
Soon, 2025 will come to a close, and 2026 will begin.
In these turbulent times around the world, I sincerely wish all SWS brothers peace and good health.
Early next year, we’ll kick things off with the new SWS Concept Note, and by summer—at the IPMS/US Nationals in Fort Wayne—we hope to introduce the long-awaited new product: the Japanese Army fighter, the 1/32 “Ki-100”.
And that’s not all,
our lineup at Zoukei-Mura keeps growing—many kits are in development, ready to make their debut.
We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and value for your model collection.
Thank you for your unwavering support of Zoukei-Mura.
Along with our participation at the Nationals in Fort Wayne, I’m thrilled to share that my article will be featured in the upcoming IPMS/USA Journal Convention Special Issue.
It’s a collection of behind-the-scenes stories about SWS kit development—how the challenges and struggles along the way have become my greatest source of purpose and joy.
The winding road of SWS kit development still has a long way to go, and I truly hope you’ll join me in enjoying every step of the journey. And who knows—maybe a photo of my wife, affectionately known as “the boss at home,” will make its first public appearance!