Who Invented Airsoft?

Airsoft, also known as soft air, is a modern-day sport that grew to a global presence in the late 1980s. The concept of this recreational activity can be traced back to the late 1970s in Japan. Airsoft is a combat simulation game, where participants partake in mock battles and skirmishes using replica firearms and BBs, and is designed in a way that is both fun and safe for all its players. Such has been the success of airsoft, that it is now played across most of the major continents, across more than fifty countries with the formation of several leagues, clubs, and teams competing against each other.

Japan: The Birthplace of Airsoft

Rumoured to have been invented by a team of Japanese businessmen in the late 1970s, airsoft initially rose to prominence in Japan, with the idea being to help promote a form of leisure activity that was both fun and safe to partake in. This was helped further by the limited availability of real firearms in the country at the time.

This laid the foundations for Japan's prominent role in the airsoft industry that has now become synonymous with the country itself. It has also been argued that as the country has encountered some of the strictest gun laws in the entire world, it has made it a safe and stable environment for people to explore the sport of airsoft in full.

Japanese Companies Pioneer Airsoft Manufacturing

The desire to expand further with the airsoft industry gave rise to different Japanese companies, such as Tokyo Marui, who was the first one to pioneer electric-motor driven airsoft guns that were both stronger and more reliable than the spring powered variety that were already the market standard. This was accomplished with the creation of the gun types designated as 'Automatic Electric Gun' or 'AEG', which is still one of the more popular airsoft weapons played with today.

Subsequent advances in technology and manufacturing processes over the next decade meant that these newly designed AEG's guns became cheaper to manufacture and more resilient to external conditions, which lead to an increasing global reach for airsoft. This was further facilitated by the emergence of other companies such as STAR, and their trademark gas-operated plastic weapons, which led the two Japanese airsoft giants to dominate the international airsoft market.

Airsoft Takes off Internationally

The expansion of airsoft outside of Japan can be attributed to the introduction of replica airsoft guns to the US market in the 1980s, through the importation of weapons from Guardian escorts. The success of this venture resulted in the creation of several stateside businesses selling airsoft accessories and imitation pieces, as well as licences for airsoft competitions.

Airsoft has continued to grow since then, and it now attracts players all over the world, who are drawn by the excitement of competitive combat in simulated environments. The sport also appeals to those who are simply looking to take part in activities for leisure, as well as admirers of firearms replicas.

Different playing formats have also been specified for airsoft, ranging from short skirmish types to different tournaments that range in length of days or even weeks; such is the sport's popularity amongst players.

Airsoft's Popularity Continues to Grow

Airsoft's long term success has been built on the back of its international fan base that has come to look for a safe and enjoyable recreation sport. Such has been the proliferation of the activity that even international organizations have now come to recognize the activity as an official sport, with 2019 marking the inclusion of airsoft competitions in the World Combat games in Russia.

Airsoft has continuously evolved since its conception in the late 1970s, with new pieces of equipment, rules, and regulations being frequently updated in line with the sport's ever-growing popularity. This can be seen with the incorporation of full facial protection masks, and the change of BB pellets from 6mm to 8mm size, to provide even better combat simulation games.

Brief Recap

Airsoft has its roots in Japan, and was invented in the late 1970s by developers with the idea of providing a safe and fun form of leisure activity. This was further supplemented by the emergence of Japanese companies such as Tokyo Marui and STAR, whose technological advances helped catapult the sport to achieve a global standing. The US has also played a pivotal role in the industry, with licences to participate in the sport also allowing for the growth of international airsoft leagues and tournaments. Airsoft is now recognised as an official sport by many international organisations, such as the World Combat Games, further signalling its progression over the last few decades.