Saburo Sakai was the Imperial Japanese Navy's fourth highest-ranking Ace. When war began, he shot down the first B-17 to be lost in the Pacific theatre. During a mission over Guadalcanal, Sakai was badly injured but still limped his damaged plane home and reported to his superior before collapsing. Despite the loss of an eye, Sakai went on to score at least 69 kills.

Snap-fit colored plastic Blood Red Skies aircraft miniatures are sold unassembled and unpainted.