Tamiya 35276 - 1:35 JGSDF Iraq Humanitarian Assistance Team

1:35 scale plastic figure set of Japan Self-Defense Force soldiers (Iraq humanitarian mission)

Tamiya 35276 is a set of five Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldier figures, depicted during the humanitarian mission in Iraq. The soldiers are shown in realistic patrol poses, with the modern uniforms and equipment characteristic of the Japanese contingent.

The set was designed as a complement to the JGSDF light armoured vehicle introduced to the Military Miniature Series, though it works equally well in standalone dioramas. One of the figures is prepared specifically for placement inside the vehicle, while the others depict a foot patrol.

What's in the box:

• 5 figures: team leader with binoculars, sub-leader gesturing, two soldiers on patrol and a soldier for placement in the vehicle
• 5.56 mm automatic rifles with magazines
• Microphone and receiver headsets and a radiation detection device
• Panzerfaust 3 anti-tank launcher (110 mm)
• Decals with the Japanese flag for the uniforms
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35276
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Contents: 5 figures with weapons and equipment

Note: This set does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The figures are intended for self-assembly.

Building the set:

Each figure is made up of several parts that fit together easily thanks to good engineering. The individual parts, especially the faces and equipment, are best painted before final assembly. The JGSDF light armoured vehicle is not included in the set and is available separately.

For painting modern JGSDF uniforms, a camouflage in green and brown shades works well, complemented by leather, metal and equipment tones. The uniform folds and small parts benefit from a wash and dry-brushing.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Figure brushes (fine sizes)
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise uniform folds and detail

About the figures – Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in Iraq:

In the mid-2000s, Japan deployed a Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) contingent to Iraq as part of a humanitarian and reconstruction mission. The soldiers operated mainly in the area of the city of Samawah, carrying out water supply and infrastructure work among other tasks. It was one of Japan's most significant overseas military deployments of the post-war period.

The contingent's equipment included modern individual gear, including 5.56 mm automatic rifles and light armoured vehicles. The figures in this set let you recreate scenes from this mission and pair perfectly with modern Japanese vehicles in 1:35 scale.

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka. The brand is renowned for exceptionally precise injection moulds and excellent part fit, which also applies to the figures in the Military Miniature Series, valued for their realistic poses and careful reproduction of uniforms. Tamiya figures are popular in dioramas, and the precision of their moulding makes them easy to paint for beginners and advanced modellers alike. Alongside figures and plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, glues, tools and brushes.