Evolution of Firearms in Japan

First Arrival of Firearms

Sep 23, 1543

Two Portuguese merchants arrive on the island of Tanegashima. They eventually meet the lord of the land, Tanegashima Tokitaka, and sell him two muskets. Tokita is astounded by their power and immediately directs a blacksmith to begin manufacturing more.

Oda Nobunaga

Jan 1, 1549

Oda Nobunaga orders the creation of 500 rifles to aid his armies in unifying the Onwari province. Rifles, while still crude and largely ineffective at long ranges, enabled commanders to use farmers and unskilled troops in battle. Armed with a rifle, a soldier was not required to be skilled with a sword. Photo Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oda_Nobunaga

Battle of Nagashino

Jun 28, 1575

Under the command of Oda Nobunaga, an estimated 3000 rifleman and 35,000 infantry decimated the forces of Takeda Katsuyori. The strategic use of wooden palisades to protect the riflemen and rotating volleys of fire proved to be a turning point in the previously ineffective use of firearms in battle.

Commander Rogers

Jan 9, 1855

Commander Rogers, of the United States Navy, landed at Tanegashima Island and was amazed to discover the lack of use of firearms. It appeared as if Japan had regressed to using swords. However, research shows it was a lack of large scale battles and overall peace that led to the draw-down of firearms.