Behind the scenes - the Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps, preparing for action.
For generations, samurai were able to provide mounted archers to outflank and harass formations of infantry and foot soldiers. With the introduction of the hinawaju, samurai began to develop horseback shooting techniques as well. They even went so far as to design carbine type weapons that were more suitable for those men who were riding into battle.
The Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps will be in action on the 12th of May… it’s time to start training 💥
Edo era police. Known as doshin (同心) these officials were often lower-ranking samurai and other trained men who served the daimyo (feudal lords) or local authorities. Their duties included patrolling streets, investigating crimes, and apprehending criminals. The methods used by the doshin varied, and they sometimes relied on informants within communities. They acted as a kind of police force, dealing with criminal activities, resolving disputes, and enforcing local laws.
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The first story shows a temptress, who’s an accomplice of some criminal, that has made her way into the home of a rich merchant. The merchant is tricked into allowing her to stay in his home, while his wife is forced to cook and serve the temptress. The wife and her child are treated poorly, while the merchant is at odds of how to deal with the temptress’ schemes. A doshin who was informed of the situation makes a sudden entry and quickly apprehends the temptress.
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In the second picture, the leader of a gang is arrested. A woman, who’s affiliated with the thieves, tries to interfere and lunges with a knife. One of the arresting officers uses a jutte (十手, truncheon) to knock the knife out of her right hand.
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In the final image, policing officials rush the area to break up the gambling ring, and apprehend those involved. They are using standard arresting tools for this, which include the uchikomi (打ち込み, rod with a loop on the end), yoribō (寄棒, baton), and kaginawa (鉤縄, rope and hook).
Matsumoto Castle during World War Two. The city was the home of the 50th Infantry Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army.
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Ozutsu - the largest type of Japanese matchlock 💥
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True story… 😅
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The Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps have been in action over the weekend! Stay tuned for uploads of our gunnery demonstration at Japan’s oldest castle 🙇
Fully armed samurai gunner and Japanese interpreter from Matsumoto, Japan.
A member of the Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps: we use real guns from the ‘samurai era’, and genuine tactics from the Morishige Ryu of hōjutsu. Get in touch to find out more, and be sure to subscribe to see real samurai gunnery as well as behind the scenes footage and content from Matsumoto City!
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Matt Okuhara