Tamiya 1:35 Japanese Medium Tank type 97 (CHI-HA)

The Tamiya 1:35 Japanese Medium Tank Type 97 “Chi-Ha” is a plastic scale model kit of Japan’s most widely used Imperial Japanese Army medium tank of World War II.

About the tank

The real Type 97 Chi-Ha was the standard Japanese medium tank during the early and mid stages of WWII.

Key characteristics of the real vehicle:

• 57mm short-barrel main gun (early versions)

• later upgraded variants fitted with a high-velocity 47mm gun (Shinhoto Chi-Ha)

• riveted armour construction

• crew of four

• reliable but lightly armoured compared to Allied tanks

• used extensively in China, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia

• served throughout the war in many secondary and defensive roles

It became the backbone of Japanese armoured forces during the conflict.

About the model kit

The Tamiya 1:35 Type 97 Chi-Ha is a classic armour kit that reflects Tamiya’s traditional focus on simplicity, accuracy, and ease of assembly.

Typical features include:

• 1:35 scale plastic tank kit

• accurately shaped hull and riveted armour detail

• detailed turret and main gun

• realistic suspension and road wheels

• link-and-length or rubber band tracks (depending on boxing)

• optional hatches and external equipment

• decal markings for Imperial Japanese Army units

The kit is designed for straightforward WWII armour modelling and historical display.

Key features

✔ 1:35 scale Japanese WWII medium tank
✔ Type 97 “Chi-Ha” design
✔ Riveted armour construction detail
✔ Accurate turret and gun assembly
✔ Imperial Japanese Army markings included
✔ Classic Tamiya armour kit engineering

Typical build use

This kit is ideal for:

• WWII Pacific theatre dioramas

• Imperial Japanese Army armour collections

• China and Southeast Asia campaign scenes

• early-war tank progression displays

• beginner-to-intermediate armour modelling

Skill level

Beginner to Intermediate

Suitable for:

• modellers new to WWII armour

• hobbyists interested in Japanese WWII vehicles

• builders focused on basic painting and weathering

Ideal for

• Japanese WWII armour enthusiasts

• Pacific theatre diorama builders

• 1:35 scale tank modellers

• Imperial Japanese Army collectors

• Tamiya classic military kit fans

Summary

The Tamiya 1:35 Type 97 Chi-Ha is a detailed model of Japan’s most important WWII medium tank, representing a widely used but lightly armoured vehicle that served across multiple theatres of the Pacific War.