The sport of Airsoft has its origins in the Far East. In this region of the world, desirable firearms are difficult or impossible to obtain due to the restrictive laws of the different countries. During the early 1980’s, the passion to own firearms continued to increase in these countries despite their restrictive nature. This was especially true in the nation of Japan, which has come to be known as the “Mother of Airsoft guns.” In spite of the growing popularity of firearms, it remained illegal for the public citizens of Japan to own them. Capitalizing on this popularity, a company began to manufacture realistic replicas of the most desirable rifles and handguns. These early replicas of popular firearms were spring powered and fired 6mm. plastic BBs. The spring system creates a compressed air action that when fired gives the shooter the actual simulation of shooting a real gun with traditional ammunition.

With its realistic replicated look, and powered by compressed air that fired soft plastic BBs., the term “Airsoft gun” was coined. These guns were designed to be very affordable, and along with their inexpensive ammunition they could be purchased by almost anyone, causing their popularity to soar. When the technology to realistically replicate popular guns met with the passion and desire of individuals to own these guns, the sport of airsoft was born. With the growing popularity of these cheap

Airsoft guns, soon sharp shooting contest formed. Adventure games soon followed with these non-lethal weapons, ranging from one-on-one battles to large-scale war games.

The excitement of these guns soon spread to other areas of Asia, including China (where this activity is legal despite rumors to the contrary), Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, South Korea, and to a certain extent the Philippines. There is currently a growing interest in the West that had its beginnings in the mid 1990’s. Airsoft has a large and growing popularity in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Other western nations where the sport is played include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Italy, France, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Belgium (where the Dutch players go since the sport is banned in the Netherlands), and Denmark.

Beginning in the East and expanding to the West, Airsoft has spawned a sport, a growing following, and an industry that spans several continents.