1980s Airsoft History
Airsoft's history dates back to the late 1980s. At this time, firearms were difficult, if not impossible, to obtain in East Asia. This was especially true in Japan where the local laws prohibited their ownership. Therefore, a lot of people were seeking an alternative way in which they can legally enjoy their passion. It was here; in the 1980s that Airsoft got its start in Japan.
As an alternative to for gun hobbyists, this company provided great replicas for these people to own. Since they were legal and could be owned by individuals whereas laws prevented the private ownership of firearms, the Airsoft Company began paying close attention to the products that they were producing. With this in mind, there was heavy emphasis placed upon making replicas that were as accurate as the real firearms.
Paintball Too
In 1981, the United States developed the game of paintball. This is a variation of hide and seek wherein adults use paint guns to shoot at one another. The manufacturers of these “guns” were more concerned about their function than their aesthetics. Since the 1980s paintball has gained greater popularity than the game of airsoft has in the United States. This game is not as popular in Asia though as skirmishing with Airsoft games are; In fact, the game of paintball is almost non-existent in Asia.
Airsoft in Asia
Over the course of history, when the people in Asia play Airsoft, they do not make any direct analogies to the military and war. Instead, Airsoft has a more family-friendly image. This is part of the reason why paintball has not become nearly as possible as Airsoft has in Asia. Of course, there are still some people who enjoy playing military simulation games. They just are not nearly as common as those who enjoy playing Airsoft.
