Artwork for toy Japanese warship not an ideal model of diplomacy

A scale model of a Japanese warship has become a sold-out success, apparently thanks to controversy over box artwork that appears to show it steaming past a sinking Chinese aircraft carrier.

The 1/700th scale model of the helicopter carrier Hyuga, made by the Aoshima Bunka Kyoza model company, is being sold as a special edition titled "Operation Senkaku Hyuga", a reference to disputed islands that are known as the Senkakus in Japan and Diaoyus in China.

Since reports emerged this month about the controversial marketing gimmicks, the model has been sold out on many mail order websites in Japan.

The front of the box shows the warship with the contested islands on the horizon and an aircraft carrier that suspiciously resembles the Chinese carrier Liaoning spewing fire and smoke as it sinks in the background.

Released by Shizuoka-based Aoshima Bunka in April, the plastic kit sells for 3,020 yen (HK$235).

A spokesman for the company declined to comment on the design of the box or the title of the model.