The Kawanishi N1K2-J (Shinden-Kai, Violet Lightning, Modified, known as George by the Allies) was one of the best fighters of World War II. Despite its abilities it was produced in insufficient numbers to have any effect on the war.

The Kawanishi N1K2-J was developed from the N1K1-J fighter which was a development of the N1K floatplane fighter.

The N1K1-J was an excellent fighter but had several problems, including a mid-wing and complicated undercarriage, so immediately after its first flight work began on the N1K2-J which had a lower wing and a much simplified structure so it was 250 kg lighter.

The prototype made its first flight on 31 December 1943 and it began entering service in early 1945.

Although it had no effect on the course of the war it was one of the very best fighters produced during the war.

This model represents a Kawanishi N1K2-J of the 301st Fighter Squadron, 343rd Fighter Group of the Imperial Japanese Navy at Tokushima Naval Base in 1945.

Hasegawa 1/72 kit with Colorado decals. Completed in October 2013