Cultural Sensitivity and Firearms

[cheesebigot]

I searched for a similar thread and did not find anything similar, however, I apologize if this has been asked before.

I have been tasked with hosting a group of Japanese nationals on a firearms safety demonstration as well as range trip. I'm mostly a C&R collector and own no firearms made within the past 40 years. I feel like the safety demonstration is easy to do, however, my concern is with the range trip itself.

I would like to bring my family of Arisakas and Nambus out for some face time, however, I don't know if this might be considered faux pas by my guests. I have some others I can demonstrate and loan, but the better part of my collection is Japanese. I've never had to experience this type of situation before, so I have no precedence to follow.

Thoughts?

 

[TennJed]

why not ask them what types of guns they would like to shoot?

 

[AlexanderA]

They will probably be flattered by your interest in the products of their country. Especially because they themselves cannot own these back home.

 

[Cee Zee]

I just saw a survey that showed that Asian immigrants strongly support gun control.

 

[WC145]

Talk to some friends about bringing out some iconic American weaponry for them to shoot. They're not visiting the U.S. to study Japanese firearm history, let them play with some distinctly American guns - 1911, AR-15, S&W M29 .44mag, snubby 38, Winchester M94, 12ga riot gun, etc. - some good, safe, all American gun fun.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

I have been tasked with hosting a group of Japanese nationals on a firearms safety demonstration as well as range trip.

I'm just wondering, "why?" I don't believe that private ownership of firearms is legal in Japan anyway, is it? As to propriety, I'd ask the tasking authority what he/she/they think.

 

[cheesebigot]

I just saw a survey that showed that Asian immigrants strongly support gun control.

While that may be true on a larger level (and I question the polling methods and sample), this group specifically asked to be given a demonstration and was interested in the history of firearms ownership in America as well as some opportunity to experience their use. Hence my being (t)asked.

As to the legality of ownership in Japan, you are correct in that it is illegal for the commonwealth to own firearms without a very lengthy, strict licensing procedure for sportsmen. This will be an opportunity they have not had before.

I suppose I could just bring a large assortment and let them choose, I just worry about keeping tabs on 16 firearms at once.

 

[jfh]

It sounds to me like you need to think this activity through as if it were a standard hands-on-safety class with live fire opportunities.

When I ran 'opening day' firearms classes at a summer boy's camp, we provided a one-to-one ratio of instructors (my assistants, as it were, whom I had previously trained and safety-checked at the training days). So, think about getting friends / fellow shooters to help you.

Here, with adults, try to pair them up and review firearm safety rules not only in the large groups, but in units of two--particularly for the hand-on just before firing.

Other recommendations can be added from other instructors--I'm now a bit rusty, but the NRA training people can help you out, I am sure.

Jim H.

 

[bushmaster1313]

I think they would be honored to shoot one with an intact chrysanthemum.
The rubbed out chrysanthemums are on guns that were surrendered.

 

[barnbwt]

I would be absolutely certain to bring some 22LR guns or a similarly "weak" equivalent. Best for teaching safety, and good for the first dip into the water. The Nambu pistols you have may work for this, since IIRC their chamberings were fairly weak (22acp/32acp levels), so long as your ammo costs are reimbursed.

Personally, I'd bring one rifle of each type; bolt, semi, 'scary/assault,' service pistol, shotgun, and 22LR pistol and/or rifle. Make sure they have good buttpads if at all possible (except maybe a single bolt gun or shotgun so they can be sure to have some bruises to show off ), and above all else, make sure they have and use good ear and eye protection. Safety aside, muzzle noise and blast are universally off-putting to people not used to it. And be cognoscente of the fact they will tire/fatigue quickly of powerful centerfire rounds, so bring much more of the lower end stuff like 22LR than 30-06.

Just my advice based on bringing multiple people to the range for their first shots, as well as my own experience getting into guns as an adult (first solo range trip next to a jerk blasting away carelessly with a heavily braked 223 AR has permanently colored my opinion on the gun and its round)

"I just saw a survey that showed that Asian immigrants strongly support gun control."
This just in; 70% of people surveyed were found to approve of things to which they are accustomed . As though many of these folks would have had any opportunity or reason to endorse gun ownership. You can't like what you don't know, which is why we can't let ourselves go that way.

All I know is that Airsoft originated in Japan for a reason. Also that WWII happened a long time ago, so depending on the age of those involved, they may or may not be interested in an Arisaka over an AR15 (granted, AR15's are nearly as old at this point )

TCB

 

[Deus Machina]

Bring the variety. Let them use some stuff they're unlikely to see back home, even in museums.
If it were me, I would take the old Japanese guns, but keep them in a separate case. Politely ask whoever is in charge or the group as a whole if they would like to use them, too.
Think how anyone may feel about handling a captured weapon from their homeland. Some will probably be honored to see the old work on something they can't even touch there, others will be upset, perhaps to the point of insult, at the man in a conquering nation displaying arms stripped from them. Perhaps especially if the mum has been ground off (defacing their arms) or left intact (IIRC, grinding it off meant it was not the emperor's property, and thus not stolen from him personally.) Ask a representative of the group first.
Remember that they aren't educated--or indoctrinated, one way or the other--the same way we are on what happened during the war. According to a friend that's been there, some of their education on the matter ignores any fighting in which Americans and their allies weren't attacking their 'rightfully held' territory or dropping bombs.
They might also be upset that the Nambu isn't exactly the pinnacle of engineering.

 

[Warp]

I don't have much to add, especially to the cultural perspective, but...plugs AND muffs. I know safety gear was mentioned, but specifically, I would give them ear plugs and ear muffs (NRR ~30 on each) prior to any centerfire rifle shooting. And if you use the standard cheap (but effective) foam ear plugs, make sure there is a demonstration on how to properly insert them. Most people get it wrong until shown the correct way.

 

[vamo]

I don't think you run the risk of cultural insensitivity, but if they're tourists they might enjoy the American guns a bit more. I would probably bring a selection and include some Japanese guns, but mostly focus on iconic American guns if it were me.

 

[stevek]

Primary focus is safety. Very good recommendation above to have a 1:1 ratio of "instructor" to shooter. If you are the only qualified person with the group, only one person should be shooting at a time, with you standing right next to them. Especially since they most probably have NO experience with firearms whatsoever. Before I retired from Nursing, any folks from outside the US, would love a day at the range. My wife is also an instructor, and the most new shooters we would have on the firing line were, you guessed it...2. Contact your local NRA rep, he/she may be able to help out. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[vamo]

On second thought you have those weapons because of how the war turned out. I don't know how that would be viewed and you might want to get the opinion of an actual Japanese person. What is a neat part of history for you and me might be a reminder of being on the losing side of history.

 

[Warp]

Primary focus is safety. Very good recommendation above to have a 1:1 ratio of "instructor" to shooter. If you are the only qualified person with the group, only one person should be shooting at a time, with you standing right next to them. Especially since they most probably have NO experience with firearms whatsoever. Before I retired from Nursing, any folks from outside the US, would love a day at the range. My wife is also an instructor, and the most new shooters we would have on the firing line were, you guessed it...2. Contact your local NRA rep, he/she may be able to help out. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Very good point.

Also...only load or allow them to load one round the first time up. Especially with a semi auto. Make sure they won't allow it to point an unsafe direction under recoil or after the shot is fired.

 

[torqem]

Many Japanese are multi millionaires, a few are Billionaires. They can easily afford to frequent Guam or Hawaii and shoot rented/borrowed guns there. They are free to give people there thousands of $, some of which just might be used to buy certain guns that certain people want to try out.

 

[gc70]

I have not hosted shooting events for Japanese nationals, but I have been at ranges when such groups were visiting.

For the groups I observed, the Number One Priority was a machine gun! They were predictably orderly and attentive while the range master described safety functions and operating procedures, but they were like kids in a candy store when it was their turn to shoot.

I also let the members of the groups shoot the guns I had at the range. While they clearly enjoyed shooting my semi-autos, I was nearly mobbed when I brought out a single-action revolver. Who would have thought that the Japanese would be fascinated with American cowboy guns?

 

[RPRNY]

The Japanese will not be offended by your having Imperial Army firearms. They may be flattered by your interest in them. Avoid discussing the war. It is not a topic that can be discussed without embarrassment and since none if them will be of an age to have served in the war, it wasn't their war. If you had one on hand or could lay hands on one, a Miroku made Browning or Winchester or an SKB might also be fun to show them.

As to cultural sensitivity, be more formal and overly polite than you would be with an American group and expect the same. Avoid any direct conflict or blunt behaviour, that doesn't bear directly on safety of course. They too will be indirect and avoid any confrontation or bluntness.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

Remember that they aren't ... indoctrinated ... the same way we are on what happened during the war. According to a friend that's been there, some of their education on the matter ignores any fighting in which Americans and their allies weren't attacking their 'rightfully held' territory or dropping bombs.

"Indoctrinated" the "same way we are". But they're taught that we and our Allies were bombing and attacking land(s) which they "rightfully held". Interesting take on history. Maybe we owe Germany and Italy apologies, too.

 

[Schwing]

As Americans, I think we seriously underestimate how free our gun laws really are in comparison to the rest of the world. I spend a couple of years in Germany and was more than a little shocked over how rare it was to find a fellow shooter. The restrictions and costs associated with it there are so high that most just can't afford it.

A sister of my friend recently hosted a Japanese youth group for a couple of weeks. She asked my friend if he would be willing to spend a few hours with them and go to the gun range so they could experience shooting. He was more than happy to oblige. He took everything between .22s and .44s and allowed each of them to have a chance with all of the calibers they were comfortable with.

The interesting part is that, even months later, these kids still say that day was the most memorable part of their trip to the U.S. Most of them had never even seen a real gun let alone held one.

These opportunities don't come up very often but, when they do, they are great opportunities to expose folks a small taste of the 2nd amendment. It helps them see what firearms really are about. We always talk about furthering our own right to bear arms. I think it is great when we can do a little proselyting beyond our own borders as well.

 

[cheesebigot]

I appreciate all the responses about clues for safety - I might need to delegate some help (either to entertain while I supervise the shooter or to assist in supervising). I'll try the local NRA branch and see if they have any suggestions for instructors that may be able to assist.

Also, I have plenty of muffs and plugs for everyone.

I suppose it could be considered ignorant to assume they would or would not want to shoot a certain type of firearm. I think I'll just bring what I'm comfortable having out and let them decide what they want to shoot (even the 22s), even if it means certain items remain in their case.

Thanks for the feedback. I have a project ahead of me!

 

[stevek]

As Americans, I think we seriously underestimate how free our gun laws really are in comparison to the rest of the world. I spend a couple of years in Germany and was more than a little shocked over how rare it was to find a fellow shooter. The restrictions and costs associated with it there are so high that most just can't afford it.

A sister of my friend recently hosted a Japanese youth group for a couple of weeks. She asked my friend if he would be willing to spend a few hours with them and go to the gun range so they could experience shooting. He was more than happy to oblige. He took everything between .22s and .44s and allowed each of them to have a chance with all of the calibers they were comfortable with.

The interesting part is that, even months later, these kids still say that day was the most memorable part of their trip to the U.S. Most of them had never even seen a real gun let alone held one.

These opportunities don't come up very often but, when they do, they are great opportunities to expose folks a small taste of the 2nd amendment. It helps them see what firearms really are about. We always talk about furthering our own right to bear arms. I think it is great when we can do a little proselyting beyond our own borders as well./QUOTE]

Very well said sir!

 

[Deus Machina]

"Indoctrinated" the "same way we are". But they're taught that we and our Allies were bombing and attacking land(s) which they "rightfully held". Interesting take on history. Maybe we owe Germany and Italy apologies, too.

Only noting that what's in the books is what the publishers will print, and notice I already put quotes around 'rightfully held'.
Their view, not mine, as told to me secondhand.

Not on the original topic, unless the visitors also wish a history lesson with a different point of view and more confirmed historical accuracy.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Its best to confirm with the group leader if the Japanese weapons will not be seen as an insult. Its always better to be sure and avoid a possible incident.