Have you tried playing airsoft? It is a cool and fun military simulation sport where you can join in mock combat using realistic military-style tactics and guns. Moreover, airsoft is a high-adrenaline sport that keeps the mind and body sharp as every battle requires critical thinking, problem-solving, good communication, and collaboration. It is why this sport is ideal for exercising, team building, and fun reunions.
Over the years, airsoft became one of the most popular sports due to the incredibly realistic gun replicas used by the players. The realism of the equipment makes the players feel the absolute pressure and thrill of being in actual combat. So, whoever invented this popular leisure sport did a great job. Aren’t you curious who it was?
Who invented airsoft?
The Japanese photographer Ichiro Nagata invented the first soft air gun. Since he often takes photographs of firearms and is also a shooting enthusiast, he had an idea to create gun replicas intended only for modeling purposes. The model guns he made don’t only look like the real thing but shoot real projectiles.
Airsoft key contributors
- Ichiro NagataInventor of the first soft air gun
Ichiro Nagata is a famous photographer who photographs guns. He created the first model guns that shoot real projectiles and look the same as their real counterparts.
- Tanio KobayashiDesigner of the first non-shooting gun replica
Model Gun Corporation hired the designer Tanio Koba to create the first non-shooting gun replica of the Walther VP-2 pistol. Later on, the gun replicas are called model guns. MGC, later on, grew, including a fair number of SMGs and most significant handgun replicas.
- Model Gun CorporationManufactured the first blowback airsoft gun
Tanio Kobayashi designed and produced the first blowback (BB) airsoft gun for MGC.
- Tokyo Marui, KSC, and Western ArmsManufacturers of the first GBB and NBB pistols
These airsoft gun manufacturers are the first to make Non-Blowback and Gas Blowback pistols. These gun replicas had better gas system efficiency that could store more gas in the magazine. Since bulky gas tanks are no longer necessary, NBB and GBB pistols look more realistic than before.
- Tokyo MaruiPioneer of battery-powered airsoft guns
Tokyo Marui is a toy car and airsoft gun manufacturer based in Adachi, Tokyo, Japan. They introduced the revolutionary design of the first electric motor-gear box that allows rapid-fire with sustainable, rechargeable batteries.The founder of the Tokyo Marui, Shoji Gatoh, developed airsoft in Japan as a realistic game for military combat simulation.
When was airsoft invented?
Ichiro Nagata invented the first airsoft guns in the 1970s. Later on, these gun replicas are trademarked as soft air guns, which conforms to Japan’s strict gun control, the Firearm, and Sword Possession Control Law.
A brief history of airsoft
It was the early 1950s when several Japanese companies imported replica guns from large US manufacturers. Usually, these are cowboy-themed guns that are paper cap, firing models. Japan Modelgun Collection, which later changed its name to Model Gun Corporation (MGC), is among those companies. Soon after, Tanio Kobayashi was hired by MGC to create its first non-shooting replica of the gun, the Walther VP-2 pistol, which was released in 1962.
It was only in the 1970s that photographer Ichiro Nagata thought about creating model guns that shoot real projectiles. These model guns look and fire like real guns but without harming anyone. Ichiro Nagata is a Japanese Photographer who is also a shooting enthusiast. His invention is later trademarked as soft air guns, conforming to Japan’s strict gun control law.
In 1985, Model Gun Corporation released the first ever blowback (BB) airsoft gun, which became popular in Japan. It was also designed by Tanio Kobayashi, the first to manufacture model guns. BB airsoft guns shoot BBs or metallic spherical projectiles using a green gas canister. The compressed gas is released by pulling a trigger, propelling the pellets at high speed and accuracy.
Gas blowback and non-blowback airsoft guns became popular because of airsoft manufacturing companies such as Tokyo Marui, KSC, and Western Arms. These gun replicas had improved gas system efficiency that could contain more gas in the magazine. Since heavy and big gas tanks are no longer needed, GBB and NBB pistols look more realistic than BB airsoft guns. Tokyo Marui produced some of the best NBB during the time, including the Walther MPL and Heckler & Koch MP5A3.
It was in 1992 when Tokyo Marui changed the game. The Japan-based toy car and airsoft gun company is the pioneer of the first sustainable, battery-powered airsoft guns, called the automatic electric guns (AEGs). They produced and released the first electric motor-gear box that allows quick-fire using rechargeable batteries. They implemented this innovation to the replica of the FAMAS F1.
Over time, airsoft guns became more and more popular. For this reason, Shoji Gatoh established airsoft as a leisure sport in Japan. Due to the realism of the gun replicas used in the sport, airsoft provides a realistic military combat simulation experience for the players.
Airsoft timeline
- 1962First non-shooting gun replica is created
Tanio Kobayashi designed and produced the first non-shooting replica of the gun, the Walther VP-2 pistol, for Model Gun Corporation (MGC).
- 1970sFirst model guns are produced
Ichiro Nagata created realistic gun replicas that shoot real projectiles that won’t kill. These are called model guns as they are meant only for modeling purposes.
- 1985Release of earliest blowback (BB) airsoft gun
Model Gun Corporation released the first blowback airsoft gun, also called a BB airsoft gun. It was designed by Tanio Kobayashi, using a green gas canister to fire metallic spheres.
- 1980s to 1990sStreamlined gas blowback and non-blowback guns are manufactured
Leading airsoft gun manufacturers like Tokyo Marui, KSC, and Western Arms stepped forward by manufacturing gas blowback and non-blowback airsoft guns. These gun replicas are lighter because they have improved gas system efficiency that can contain more gas in the magazine.
- 1992The first automatic electric gun (AEG) was made
Tokyo Marui is the pioneer of the first sustainable, battery-powered airsoft guns, which they call automatic electric guns (AEGs). They produced and released the first electric motor-gear box that allows quick-fire using rechargeable batteries. They implemented this innovation to the replica of the FAMAS F1.
Where was airsoft invented?
Airsoft originated in Japan when the photographer and shooting enthusiast, Ichiro Nagata, designed and produced the first realistic gun replica called a soft air gun. It shoots realistic projectiles using green gas canisters with reduced power than real guns, making it harmless.
Why is airsoft important?
- A crucial tool for military training simulations
The invention of airsoft became crucial for military training, historical reenactment, and law enforcement training. With realistic gun replicas and military combat techniques used to simulate real-life situations, players gain muscle memory, coordination, alertness, and more.
- A whole new world of entertainment
Airsoft offers various gameplay compositions and styles. Usually, it includes short, organized live action role-playing (LARP), action shooting, close-quarters battle skirmishes, and more. Players can also play either on outdoor fields or indoor courses. To keep the players safe, trained professionals act as marshals and supervisors during a game.
- A fun and thrilling way to improve well-being
Playing airsoft improves the player’s social, physical, and mental health. It develops mental alertness, critical thinking, problem-solving, and all while running and communicating with your team.
Airsoft by the numbers
- 1962First non-shooting gun replica was designed by Tanio Kobayashi and released by Model Gun Corporation.
- 150 to 200 ft.The typical maximum effective range of automatic electric guns assault rifles.
- 330 to 360 FPSUsing airsoft guns with 330 to 360 FPS or feet per second is ideal to avoid injuring other players.
- 1170.79 millionIn 2021, the market size of airsoft guns was estimated to be around USD 1170.79 million.
- 1980s to 1990sThe popularity of airsoft guns reached the United Kingdom through the company LS. Afterward, it rapidly gained attention in Europe, North America, and worldwide.
Five facts about airsoft
- Airsoft guns are categorized into three types
There are three types of airsoft guns: spring-powered guns, electric guns, and the earliest, gas-powered guns. Spring guns are the weakest among the three.
- Airsoft guns look almost exactly like the real ones
Most airsoft guns can be confused with their real counterparts. It is because they are manufactured with on-point details and realistic functions.
- Protective eye gear is a must to avoid eye damage
While airsoft guns are safe for players, wearing eye protection is a must. It can help you avoid any bullet hitting your eyes. Airsoft bullets can leave severe eye damage once it hits the eye.
- Only 18 years old and above can acquire airsoft guns in the US.
You must be 18 years old or older to buy an airsoft gun in the US. But under federal law, all ages can use airsoft guns. Meanwhile, some states and municipalities put restrictions on airsoft guns.
- Airsoft guns are used to reenact historical events
Since airsoft guns resemble real firearms, they are used for historical reenactments. For instance, those portraying Union soldiers during the Civil War used musket airsoft guns.
Airsoft invention FAQ
- Can airsoft guns break glass?
It depends on the glass density and the airsoft gun’s FPS. For instance, a durable glass won’t break when it is hit by a bullet shot at low FPS by a spring-powered airsoft gun. But, the same gun and bullet shot at low FPS can shatter thin glass.
- Who plays airsoft?
Shooting enthusiasts, military units, SWAT teams, Coast Guards, and other law enforcement units play airsoft. While shooting enthusiasts play airsoft as a leisure sport, military and other special forces units use it to train and simulate combat.
- Is airsoft a professional sport?
You can play airsoft professionally or at an amateur level. Millions of players are enjoying airsoft every day, and it has a huge possibility to be the next big thing.