The History of Airsoft - How it all started | Explained - Ehobby Asia

 Today, airsoft is a popular hobby and sport around the world, with millions of players participating in games and competitions. There are a wide variety of airsoft guns and equipment available, and many airsoft fields and venues that cater to players of all skill levels. But how did this all begin? Lets take a look down memory lane and find out the history of airsoft.

MGC was a classic airsoft brand

When was Airsoft Invented?

Airsoft was invented in Japan in the early 1970s. At that time, firearms were strictly regulated in Japan, and it was illegal for civilians to own or use real guns. However, there was still a strong interest in firearms and military training among some Japanese citizens, and this led to the development of airsoft as a hobby.

These guns were designed to be replicas of real firearms, but used compressed air or gas to propel small plastic BBs instead of bullets. The guns were initially marketed as toys for children, but quickly gained popularity among adults as well.

Since its inception, airsoft has grown in popularity around the world, with millions of players participating in games and competitions. Today, there are a wide variety of airsoft guns and equipment available, and many airsoft fields and venues that cater to players of all skill levels.

MGC Calico M100

Who Invented Airsoft?

The invention of airsoft is credited to a Japanese inventor named Yoshihito Shimizu. In the early 1970s, Shimizu was experimenting with different types of air guns, and developed a new type of air gun that used a spring-powered piston to fire a small plastic pellet. He called his invention "Soft Air," and it quickly gained popularity among Japanese gun enthusiasts who were looking for a safe and legal way to enjoy shooting sports.

The Soft Air guns developed by Shimizu were the precursor to the airsoft guns that we know today.

How did Airsoft Become so Popular?

In the early 1980s, a Japanese company called Tokyo Marui began producing airsoft guns that were designed to be more realistic replicas of real firearms, using compressed air or gas to propel small plastic BBs instead of pellets. These guns quickly gained popularity among Japanese enthusiasts, and eventually spread to other countries around the world.

While Shimizu is credited with inventing the original Soft Air guns, it was the development of more realistic and sophisticated airsoft guns by Tokyo Marui that helped to popularize the sport and turn it into the global phenomenon that it is today.

The Tokyo Marui Famas F1, the world's first airsoft Automatic Electric Gun (AEG)

Airsoft Companies around the World

Airsoft is a global industry, and there are many airsoft manufacturers located around the world. Here are some notable airsoft companies from different regions:

Japanese Airsoft Companies

Japan has a rich history in airsoft being the original place where airsoft was invented, and Japanese airsoft companies have played a significant role in the development of the airsoft industry. Here are a few notable Japanese airsoft companies and their histories:

• Tokyo Marui: Tokyo Marui is one of the oldest and most well-known airsoft companies in the world. The company was founded in 1965 and initially focused on producing plastic model kits. In the 1980s, Tokyo Marui began producing airsoft guns and quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality and innovative designs. Today, Tokyo Marui is a leading player in the airsoft industry, known for its advanced electric gun (AEG) technology, high-quality materials, and attention to detail.
• KSC (Kasumin): KSC was founded in 1974 and initially focused on producing replica firearms for use in movies and TV shows. In the 1990s, the company shifted its focus to airsoft guns and quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality gas blowback pistols. KSC is known for its realistic designs and attention to detail, and many of its airsoft guns are used by law enforcement and military training organizations around the world.
• Maruzen: Maruzen was founded in 1912 and originally produced a variety of products, including bicycles, sewing machines, and cameras. In the 1970s, the company began producing airsoft guns and quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality and realistic designs. Maruzen is known for its gas-powered airsoft guns, which are popular among airsoft players and collectors.
• Tanaka Works: Tanaka Works was founded in 1994 and is known for its high-quality gas-powered airsoft guns. The company is particularly well-regarded for its revolver-style airsoft guns, which are known for their realism and attention to detail.
• Systema Engineering: Systema Engineering was founded in 1990 and initially focused on producing components for the aerospace industry. In the 2000s, the company began producing airsoft guns and quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality and innovative designs. Systema is known for its advanced gearbox technology, which allows for improved performance and reliability.

Overall, Japanese airsoft companies have made significant contributions to the airsoft industry, and their products are highly regarded by airsoft players around the world. These companies are known for their attention to detail, innovative designs, and commitment to quality.

Taiwanese Airsoft Companies

Taiwan has a long history of airsoft manufacturing and is home to many of the world's leading airsoft companies.

• ICS: One of the earliest Taiwanese airsoft companies is ICS (I Chih Shivan Enterprise Co., Ltd), which was founded in 1983. ICS initially started as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for traditional firearms, but in the 1990s, the company shifted its focus to airsoft guns. Today, ICS is one of the most respected and well-known airsoft companies in the world, renowned for its high-quality products and innovative designs.
• G&G Armament (Guay Guay Trading Co., Ltd.): Another major Taiwanese airsoft company is G&G Armament, which was founded in 1986. G&G has become a leading player in the airsoft industry, with a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable airsoft guns. The company's product range includes a wide variety of AEGs (automatic electric guns), gas blowback guns, and accessories.
• KWA (Kuan Ju Works Inc.): KWA is another Taiwanese airsoft company that has gained a strong reputation in the industry. KWA was founded in 1988 and has been a pioneer in the development of gas blowback airsoft guns. The company's products are known for their realism, reliability, and performance.
• VFC (Vega Force Company): VFC is a Taiwanese airsoft company that has been producing high-quality airsoft guns and accessories since 2004. The company is known for its attention to detail, advanced technology, and commitment to quality.

A VFC SR-25

Other notable Taiwanese airsoft companies include King Arms, SRC (Star Rainbow Company), and ARES Airsoft. These companies are known for producing high-quality airsoft guns and accessories that are used by airsoft players around the world.

Overall, Taiwanese airsoft companies have played a significant role in the development of the airsoft industry, and continue to be at the forefront of innovation and design.

Chinese Airsoft Companies

China has become a major player in the airsoft industry in recent years, with a number of Chinese airsoft companies producing high-quality airsoft guns and accessories. Here are some notable Chinese airsoft companies and their histories:

• CYMA: CYMA is one of the most well-known Chinese airsoft companies and has been in operation since 2001. The company produces a wide range of AEGs, gas blowback pistols, and accessories. CYMA is known for its high-quality products and affordable prices, and its airsoft guns are popular among beginners and experienced players alike.

  

  The CYMA AKM AEG

• JG (Jing Gong): JG was founded in 1986 and initially focused on producing traditional firearms for the Chinese military. In the 2000s, the company began producing airsoft guns and quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality and affordable products. JG produces a wide range of AEGs and is known for its attention to detail and reliability.
• DYTAC (Dynamic Tactical): DYTAC was founded in 2012 and is a relatively new player in the airsoft industry. The company produces a wide range of AEGs, gas blowback pistols, and accessories, and is known for its innovative designs and high-quality materials.
• A&K (AnKou): A&K was founded in 1998 and initially focused on producing traditional firearms for the Chinese military. In the 2000s, the company began producing airsoft guns and quickly gained a reputation for their affordable and reliable products. A&K produces a wide range of AEGs and is known for its attention to detail and realism.
• Lancer Tactical: Lancer Tactical was founded in 2012 and is a relatively new player in the airsoft industry. The company produces a wide range of AEGs, gas blowback pistols, and accessories, and is known for its affordable products and attention to detail.

Overall, Chinese airsoft companies have made significant strides in the airsoft industry in recent years, and their products have gained a strong reputation among airsoft players. These companies are known for their affordable prices, innovative designs, and commitment to quality.

Final Thoughts

Today, airsoft is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide and has become a popular way to practice tactical skills and teamwork in a safe and controlled environment, this popularity has been built up over decades of constant development and its important to understand and appreciate the history and companies that made this hobby happen in the first place.