Before moving to Japan I had experience with real firearms. Starting off with target marksmanship using air rifles and pistols, working my way up with small bore then large bore rifles and pistols. My experience was later enhanced by years of service in the military as well as my hobby as a hunter. My Japanese wife is a essential morale and logistical support at my side. 

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The strict firearm laws of Japan brought my activities with real firearms to a sudden halt. I order not to loose my skills I initially bought realistic airsoft replicas of firearms I frequently used during my service. When I moved to the rural countryside of Hokkaido I started collecting airsoft replicas, mainly of military rifles. In the course of that I discovered satisfaction in repairing and optimizing automatic electric guns.

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Due to my previous travel and vacations to Japan I was always following the progress and development of airsoft guns. Airsoft is a Japanese invention and Japanese culture. Although it can never replace the fun of real firearms, it does offer new options. It can be used in homes or for survival games, which is not possible with real guns. In recent years several military and police forces have adopted airsoft guns for effective and safe training.