We now have the sixth set from Lifelike Decals for the A6M and this one includes 15 different markings for a variety of Zero types that covers aircraft used during the Pacific War. This includes the A6M2 Type 21, 22, A6M3 Type 22,  and the A6M5 Type 52. There is also a two seat trainer as well as a couple of floatplanes. I like that on this sheet, the subvariant of the Type 52 is noted when known, as there were differences in armament depending on the subvariant.

So here is what is provided in the set. To follow along, the profile sheet is divided into upper and lower sections with 1-4 on the left and 5-8 of the right side of the upper section. 9-12 are on the lower left with 13-16 on the lower right.

Without further ado, here is what you have for options:

1. Type 52 night fighter from the 302 Kokutai at Atsugi AB in 1945. The subtype is not provided.

2. Type 21 with 341 Kokutai in the Philippines in January 1945.

3. Type 52 hei from 352 Kokutai at Omura AB in March 1945.

4. Type 21 of 381 Kokutai based in the Philippines in April 1945. An addendum decal is provided for the correct size tail code. Note that the tail and upper wing section is in the underside color. Yellow forward cowling.

5. Type 52 otsu of 721 Kokutai at Miyazaki AB in February 1945.

6. Type 21 of the Kaga fighter group at Kisarazu AB in April 192.

7. A6M2K trainer of Tsukuba Kokutai in spring of 1944.

8. Type 52 otsu of an unknown special attack unit in 1945.

9. Type 21 of Tainan Kokutai at Balikpapan in January 1942.

10. Type 21 of Tainan Kokutan in China during November 1941.

11. Type 52 of an unknown variant with 254 Kokutai on Hainan Island in October 1944.

12. Type 52 hei of 501 Kokutai at Hyakuri AB in April 1945.

13. TYpe 22 of 253 Kokutail on Saipan in June 1943. It is purported that this aircraft was painted in a blue as a test to see how well it blended in with the water, but this has not been proven.

14. A6M2-N of 802 Kokutai based on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands in October 1943.

15. A6M2-N of Takuma Kokutai at Takuma AB in August 1943.

As always, you are provided copious information on each subject as well as treatises on several interesting subjects related to the aircraft on the sheet. Decals themselves are printed by Microscale so you know you have some of the highest quality out there. In addition to the unique markings, you get one of LifeLike's hinomaru sheets that was reviewed earlier.

Lifelike tries to find markings that have not been repeated before on other sheets or in kit decals. If you have a stash of A6Ms, and I know I do, this is a set for you.

Recommended kits are by Academy, Fine Molds, Platz, Hasegawa, Tamiya, and Eduard. Frankly, there are other A6Ms in this scale on which this set could be used as most if not all are dimensionally similar so if you have an old Otaki kit, then by all means use that one. Heck, you could even use the really ancient Aurora kit if you have one.

February 2026

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