Note: this article is based on various sources, mainly from internet and MP40modelgun forums. Information included below may not be accurate.What are modelguns?There are three main types of Japanese toy guns that look similar to real guns:
- dummy: some are made from solid material (metal, plastic, rubber), but many have moving parts and action similar to weapons. Such models usually allow manual cycling of dummy bullets.
- cap-firing: they not only look realistic, but also produce audiovisual effects by detonating a small cap. Most modern models also use cap energy to cycle model (blowback action).
- airsoft (ASG): these launch small plastic balls (6mm or 8mm, ~0.2g) using spring-, gas- or electric-powered mechanism. Energy for Japanese models is currently limited to 0.98J.
This article focuses on dummy and cap-firing models known collectively as "Modelguns" (モデルガン).
Airsoft replicas, even if they look like real guns, are not considered to be modelguns (source:Japanese Wikipedia).
Firearms in JapanJapan had regulations forbidding public possession of weapons (swords) as early as in XVII century. During the Tokugawa period in Japan the government imposed very restrictive controls on gunsmiths in the nation, thereby ensuring the almost total prohibition of firearms.
After WWII Japan was occupied by USA, law enforced by the occupant forbade starting military production and creation of armed forces - only Self-Defense Forces could be created. Japanese "Firearms and Swords Control Law" was one of the most strict in modern world, it begins with "No-one shall possess a fire-arm or fire-arms or a sword or swords". Violation is considered a criminal offence and is severly punishable.
Toygun importIn 1952 American occupation ended and soon after that toyguns became very popular. Initially toyguns were imported from USA and England, made by many manufacturers including Mattel and Nichols. These toyguns have usually been based on Western revolvers and rifles and they were fairly simple. Cap guns as previously known in USA and UK were also introduced at the time, they used caps just to produce sound and sparks.
You can read the following article about cap guns:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap_gunOrigins of Japanese designToyguns were very popular, and Japanese companies that imported them eventually started improving designs, making them more realistic. In early 1960s the idea to construct toyguns in Japan was already very solid. At the time there were three most known companies that imported toyguns:
MGC (founded 1959),
Ehara/CMC (1960) and
Hudson (1960). MGC (Model Guns Company) at the time worked under name "Japan Modelgun Collection Association". Young man, called Tazou Kobayashi (better known under his nickname: Tanio), who dreamed of making replicas for film industry, became the first employee of MGC. He has shown remarkable skills in design and created the first MGC model, a Walther VP-II. I think that around that time term "modelgun" was coined by Mr Kobayashi.
You can see Walther VP-II here:
http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~yon-yon/cgi/mgc/VP2/index.htmlAt the same time Hudson also worked on creating their first realistic modelgun, Mauser 1896. "Race" between companies was quite tight. Supposedly when Tanio was searching for factory that could produce his design, he has seen Hudson model awaiting production. Hudson was the first to release modelgun in July 1962, followed by MGC a few months later the same year. There is some confusion as to which one has been first, I think that quite often MGC is considered to be the first with their VP-II.
They were actually three variants of VP-II: A, B and C. They all featured innovative "Tanio action" (or "slide action"), where the slide was moved mechanically after the trigger was pulled. The second modelgun released by MGC was a revolver, and the third Walther PPK - also featuring "Tanio action".
These early modelguns were metal (usually zinc alloys), and were fairly realistic. They did not reflect real guns 100%, but were close enough. Modelguns usually had part dimensions changed so that real gun parts could not be used.
Golden period (1960-1971)In 1960s many Japanese models were designed and manufactured by MGC, and sold to wholesalers such as Ehara (later known as CMC), who were selling them under their own brands. Other companies that existed at the time were Kokusai (reselling MGC models under INT brand) and Nakata (originally military surplus shop).
In mid-1960s modelgun industry started to evolve. MGC started selling modelguns directly under their own brand "MGC BondShop". Other companies stopped buying from MGC and tried to find another manufacturer - the one they found was Marushin Die-cast Industry. Marushin at the time produced various metal elements. Soon all companies started their own design and production, often in cooperation. Nakata founded a joint-venture with Marushin. In 1965 Ehara began cooperation with Minoru Matsumoto who designed and produced in his workshop metal modelguns (his company established was as "Shoei Seisakusho Inc" in 1967, previously named "Matsumoto Seisakusho Inc"). These products were sold under brand name CMC (Colt Model Collection). Keiichi Kunimoto (who worked for Nakata or MGC I think) founded his own company called Western Arms. Another famous designer was Noboru Mutobe, working on design for several manufacturers.
This period was a golden time for modelguns. They were very popular and sold well. In 1963-68 industry used
stamped steel for a few models: CMC released Sten MkII, MGC Sten MkIII, MP40, M3A1 (mechanical action) and Sterling, finally Hudson another M3A1. In 1969 manufacturers started marking models with a
crown symbol (stamped or as part of mold) to distinguish them from real weapons.
Modelguns were distributed outside Japan mostly by an American company called
RMI (Replica Models Incorporated) founded in 1968. RMI distributed many models, coming mostly from MGC (who could not use MGC brand outside of Japan), CMC and Marushin. In 1972 a sister company Unique Imports was created - they both merged in 1980 into
Collector's Armoury that is currently one of the largest internet military-related shop.
Modifications in Firearms and Sword Law (1971-1977)1971 was a bad year for modelguns. On October the 20th "Firearms and Swords" law was amended and included a number of provisions specifically to control modelguns, for example:
- steel was forbidden. Models could be still manufactured from
soft metal alloys.
- metal models had to be painted gold or white. Other colours (black, silver) were forbidden.
It took some time for the industry to adjust to these changes. There were periods of time when factories did not work (but employees still had to be paid) as many changes had to be made in the design to move production to plastic. There were also major changes, for example Shoei stopped manufacturing modelguns for CMC, as they specialized in metal, not plastic.
Many new models were now constructed from
ABS plastic. Modelguns lost a lot of popularity because plastic was not relistic - models were too light. However that weakness was changed into a strength that saved the hobby.
Tanio Kobayashi designed an innovative
Blowback (BK) system, where caps (at the time produced in paper rolls and sheets) could be placed inside a brass cartridge, so that explosion not only produced sound, sparks and smoke, but had enough energy to cycle slide! Metal models had too heavy slides and could not be operated by caps. Plastic construction, source of problem, became source of salvation.
Thanks to this invention modelgun industry had a revival and by mid-1970s modelguns sold well again. In 1975 MGC together with CMC, Hudson and 11 other companies formed an association that agreed on certain modelgun safety rules to avoid problems with law. Models approved by association were stamped with
"SM" (Safe Model) letters. Western Arms and several other companies did not join this association at the time.
On the 1st of December 1977 law changed again and became much harder on modelguns. Some of the changes:
- soft metals used in modelguns were now limited by law to 92 hardness in Brinnel scale.
- metal models had to have a blocked barrel. I think it was MGC who came up with idea to mold a steel hardened rod inside softer metal barrel to block attempts at making it pass-through.
- barrel, chamber and other parts had to have slightly changed (smaller) dimensions to prevent installation of real gun parts in models. I am not sure, probably this as already happening earlier.
- metal revolver models now had to have blocked front of cylinder chambers.
Modelgun design approval system was set up. Modelguns that passed association approval received
"SPG" (Safe Plastic Gun) or "SMG" (Safe Metal Gun) marks.
Due to politics association later split into three. The original was
"ASGK" (Air Sport Gun Cooperation). In 1993 Maruzen split and created "JASG" (Japan Air Sport Gun Association). In 2007 Marushin also split and established
"STGA" (Safety Toy Gun Association). Every association marks boxes of modelguns with respective seal, while ASGK also manages "SPG" and "SMG" marks that are put on model itself.
Better blowback and other ideas (1979-1990)Another invention that improved modelguns happened in 1979, when existing paper caps were replaced with
caps as we know today. Pyrotechnic material consisting of 0.01g of red phosphorus was now placed inside a small plastic cup that has 7mm or 5mm diameter. That change increased security (by more separation between charges) and allowed better blowback designs thanks to ability of cap to act as a seal inside cartridge.
In 1980s
airsoft gained on popularity, compared to modelguns. Earlier airsoft models used either spring power (cumbersome, required cocking after every shot) or external gas tank ("Classic Airsoft") connected via hoses to the model. Tanio Kobayashi preferred realism to power and worked on two aspects: creating a self-contained airsoft gun (ASG), and increasing number of shots fired simultaneously instead of their power. He created a model of Beretta 93R (released by MGC), the first airsoft gun that had gas tank inside magazine. It also allowed shooting series of 3 bbs, which was a unique feature copied from the real gun.
In 1985 CMC production stopped, only their original shop continued operations until 1995. Some of the molds were taken over by Tanaka (originally manufacturer of wooden parts for CMC), who continued some of production. Tanaka also had their own models, designed by Noboru Mutobe. Another company that took over some of CMC molds and production (mostly revolvers) was Hartford Workshop (HWS), who were previously a shop without their own production.
In late 1980s based on "Star Wars" popularity, MGC released translucent modelguns: Automag, Sig P210 and Sig Flash. They could not really be fired (quickly became opaque ;-) ), but allowed to show inner workings of models.
At the time MGC was the largest modelgun company, larger than modern airsoft manufacturers. They have delivered modelguns and airsoft not only to individuals, but also to movie industry in Japan (Nikkatsu, Ishihara Pro, Touhon, Universal Japan) and other countries.
In beginning of 1990s manufacturers experimented with new ideas. Marushin created a
cap/gas hybrid, where cap was used only for sound/smoke effects (just like in original modelguns), while gas was used to provide blowback (as in airsoft). Such hybrid worked much more reliably than pure modelgun, as it allowed for a consistent blowback that did not depend on variable cap power. It was not widely produced, though. Only in December 2009 they released a hybrid derringer model that uses cap to produce sound/flash, and gas to launch airsoft bb.
Marushin also manufactured many cheap self-build kits that allowed people to build their own model from parts.
Slow decline (1990-2009)In 1990 Kokusai factory was destroyed by fire, probably created by burglars. Most molds and production equipment were heavily damaged, and company closed. Brand "Kokusai" was taken over by another company that continued to produce revolver models.
Craft Apple Works, previously a toy shop, started their own production of modelguns and airsoft in 1990. They specialize in small series of high-quality replicas.
Tanio Koba founded his own company
"Tanio Koba" and started designing airsoft guns and spare parts. He also designed one modelgun: GM7 (Colt 1911). After 2000 he decided to develop model industry outside of Japan and worked with French Cybergun in 2003, and with Taiwanese KJW to design new airsoft guns. One of his goals was to created a better airsoft gas blowback system that could work in Europe (colder than Japan) and powerful enough to work in large rifle (M4).
In 1993 Shoei (still run by Minoru Matsumoto) returned to modelgun industry - they started designing and manufacturing German WWII long weapons.
Shoei first model was FG42 type 1, based on detailed study of real rifle in Royal Military Museum in Brussels (Belgium). Law allows painting long weapons black, that's why Shoei is able to create realistic metal models.
MGC went bankrupt in 1994. According to Tanio Kobayashi, the president of MGC was getting bored with business and his lack of passion for modelguns attributed to this. Some of their molds were bought by KSC - former subcontrator working for MGC. KSC was founded in 1969 as "Kofu Shima Corporation", changed their name in 1995 to "Keesushi Corporation". Other molds and most of production was taken over by Taito and Shin Nihon Mokei. Some time later "New MGC" was created and continued modelgun production until second closing in 2007, hoveber in 2009 a few modelguns were released to celebrate MGC 50th anniversary.
Notoru Mutobe still ran his own design company called "Rokken" (or "Rocken"), specializing in hand-made collectors pieces.
In 1996 "Rampant Classic" company has been founded, with one goal: create a perfect Colt SAA modelgun. They suceeded in producing several high-quality models in short series.
History after 2000 is very mixed. There were some new releases, some companies continued production, but overall modelguns lost a lot of popularity and sales. One of most known designers, Noboru Mutobe, died.
In 2007 Minoru Matsumoto, one of original creators of industry, died too. Shoei is now run by his sons, Tomio and Ichiro, and this family business continues to produce high-quality models every year.
In December 2009 Hudson, the last of the original modelgun companies, closed after the death of president. Hudson was quite innovative when it came to choosing guns for models. They have produced many models that no other company produced, such as Scorpion vz61, PPsh41, Nambu or AK47. Mold for AK47 unfortunately got destroyed in 2005, after producing over 80000 models. Unfortunately remaining stock and molds were destroyed when factory building was put up for sale.
Outside of Japan the only company that produces cap-firing modelguns is Taiwanese
WaShan (also known as HwaSan), a brand of YT (Yun Tai Plaything) Corporation. Unfortunately these models are fairly difficult to obtain.
Future (2010-...)KSC surprised collectors releasing a new modelgun in early 2010.
Only time will show what is the future of modelguns. Even as original companies do not exist anymore, second-hand market is still alive and kicking.
See also these threads:
https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/modelgun-general-discussion-f1/more-modelgun-history-please-t764.htmhttps://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/modelgun-general-discussion-f1/who-knows-the-japanese-modelgun-history-t643.htmPartial list of sources:"Interview with Tanio Koba" by "Renegade Recon"
http://www.renegaderecon.com/article_details.php?id=11"Interview with Tomio Matsumoto" by Pat Ohta and Sam Johnson
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/?filnavn=/articles/shoei_interview/shoei_interview.htm"VP70 review" by Jeff Chan
http://www.justpistols.co.uk/vp70_chan.htm"Cartridges for semi- and full-auto" by Nelson Chen
http://www.dentrinity.com/NelsonChen/Whatis/Autocar.htm"Cartridges for revolvers" by Nelson Chen
http://www.dentrinity.com/NelsonChen/Whatis/Recar.htm"Different types of caps" by Nelson Chen
http://www.dentrinity.com/NelsonChen/Whatis/Cap.htm"Modelgun History" by Mark
http://www.mp40modelguns.com/what_is_a.htmJapanese Wikipedia entry for modelguns (モデルガン):
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%A2%E3%83%87%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3"History of airsoft gas blowback" by "Renegade Recon"
http://www.renegaderecon.com/article_details.php?id=9Posts by members of the original MP40Modelguns forum (THANK YOU!):
http://www.mp40modelguns.com/forum2/Posts by members of the current MP40Modelguns forum (THANK YOU!):
https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/Note: reproduction of this text on other websites or publications requires explicit permission of this Forum owner. 
Sun Jan 17, 2010 6:11 pm
It's clearly taken a lot of time researching and writing this. It'll expand further too as contributions are added by experts like DOC and diversify into areas of further discussion.
