Shimakaze Merchandise

Shimakaze is a super-destroyer vessel that was constructed for the Imperial Japanese Navy to serve during World War II. She is also featured as a popular character in Kantai Collection, also commonly referred to as KanColle (KanKore). KanColle is a free web-browser game that was developed by Kadokawa Games. In the game, players control “fleet girls” (Kanmusu), which are moe depictions of the war vessels in the form of cute girls. The game was launched on April 23, 2013, and has more than three million players.

As one of the fastest destroyers in the world at the time, Shimakaze proudly boasts of her speed. She often comments about the inability of the rest of the fleet to keep up with her pace, and enjoys challenging other ships to races.

“I'm Destroyer Shimakaze. When it comes to speed I'm the best there is, swift like the island wind!”

“I am Shimakaze, the warship that was developed to become the greatest destroyer. I am fast and fully armed with heavy torpedoes. My top speed exceeds forty knots. Because I was not suitable for mass production, I’m the only one of my kind.”

Shimakaze is often presented as a featured character in a variety of media related to the series. She has beautiful blond hair, a signature black bow headband, as well as a sailor uniform complete with a mini skirt and striped knee high tights. Her appearance and behavior has caused many fans to wonder about her age, as she appears to be a teenager but can also be rather childish at times. The artist of Shimakaze is Shizuma Yoshinori, and her voice actor / actress in the anime is Ayane Sakura. The attractive and also slightly suggestive appearance of Shimakaze has inspired many cosplays. Together with her collection of Rensouhou-chan, cosplayers who are dressed as Shimakaze can often be found at very anime, manga, or game related events around the world. Because she is so popular for cosplay, her costume and outfit can also be purchased through various sources. Some recognized Shimakaze cosplayers include Uri, Hnpp, Remika, Chirol, Saku, Yukisagi, Eno, Kanaton, and Akaryn.

Shimakaze is also a popular character that has been made into numerous figures. Kantai Collection Alloy Shimakaze and Nendoroid Shimakaze by Good Smile Company, PLAMAX KC-01 Destroyer & Kanmusu Shimakaze and also figFIX Shimakaze: Half-Damage ver. by Max Factory, Kantai Collection -KanColle- Shimakaze Major Damage Ver. 1/8 Scale Figure by Aquamarine, as well as Medicchu KanColle: Shimakaze by Phat are just some of the items that are based on her.

In her own manga, Shimakaze is portrayed as a problematic child-like character. Many artists also prefer to show her as a lonely character because she does not have any sister ships. However, in the anime adaptation of the series, Shimakaze is shown as an adorable, active, and constantly excited character. Despite her playfulness, she is one of the strongest destroyers on the base. Zekamashi is one of Shimakaze’s nicknames. This originated from the life-saver that her Rensouhou-chan rides on, where her name is printed. Because traditional Japanese is written from right to left, the name Shimakaze becomes Ze-ka-ma-shi when read from left to right.

In game, Shimakaze is a unique ship that does not have any sister ships. However, she is accompanied by her Rensouhou-chan collection, which are 12.7cm Twin Gun Mounts that she is armed with. Her armament also includes a 61cm Quadruple Torpedo Mount. However, because Amatsukaze’s steam boilers and turbines were featured in the construction of Shimakaze, Amatsukaze is often considered as her older sister. Shimakaze also has various quotes that players can hear during certain seasons and times of the year.

“All the rain this season makes me feel really bad for my Rensouhou-chan. Hurry up summer, come already!”

“Summer! Let’s go swimming with Rensouhou-chan. There’s no way I’m going to lose a race, though. Don’t forget that I’m really fast!”

“Year end cleaning is such a drag. Can we start eating our osechi already? Come on, come one!”

“Happy New Year! I’m going to make sure that I’m faster than anyone else this year as well! Try to keep up!”

“Here Admiral! You can have some of my chocolates! Be sure to eat them faster than anyone else, okay? Faster, faster!”

In terms of statistics and other interesting facts, Shimakaze consumes the highest amount of resources among other destroyers in Kantai Collection. For a full refuel, Shimakaze requires twenty units of fuel and also 25 units as ammo as well. The actual Shimakaze vessel was sunk in November 1944 during the Battle of Ormoc Bay that occured in the Philippines. While there were originally plans made to retrieve the wreckage of Shimakaze, the plans were never executed, and she remains at the bottom of the sea. During her time of service, the actual Shimakaze vessel was armed with a total of six 127mm dual purpose guns, as well as weapons to counter aircrafts and submarines. As the only Japanese craft armed with a large amount of torpedo tubes during her time, Shimakaze was indeed a powerful destroyer.