Cultural Sensitivity and Firearms

[SC Shooter]

In my professional career, I have dealt with Japanese and Chinese, and I would strongly suggest that you contact thenearest Japanese Consulate and get some information from them as to the propeer protocols. If you are not thoroughly versed in their culture, you need to talk with someone who is. You don't want to inadvertantly offend them.

 

[RPRNY]

I believe it's just the opposite. The mums were rubbed off because a non Japanese owning it, which had cultural and religious implications (it's the Emperor's symbol) , would have dishonored them. Supposedly, MacArthur ordered it done as a face saving device as part of the surrender treaty.

I would not include a gun with the mum imprint.

First, there is debate on whether the mums were removed to honor the Empire or to erase it.

Second, it is extremely unlikely that any of the group in question would be aware of the issue. Nor are there likely to be Bushido extremists in the group. And if there were and they were so rude as to express the slightest lack of gratitude to their host for undertaking the outing, they should be invited, none too politely, to eff off back to bloody Tokyo!

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

... and they were so rude as to express the slightest lack of gratitude to their host for undertaking the outing, they should be invited, none too politely, to eff off back to bloody Tokyo!

I like your attitude!

 

[cheesebigot]

... and they were so rude as to express the slightest lack of gratitude to their host for undertaking the outing, they should be invited, none too politely, to eff off back to bloody Tokyo!

While I sincerely appreciate your zeal, this outing is as much a reflection on the one I am assisting as it is on myself. The last thing I want to do, even if faced with an insult or lack of gratitude, is to return a misdeed with another.

I will try the Consolate, however, I'm not sure how much help they might be willing to offer. That seems like going to Wal-Mart to get advice for buying a horse, it just doesn't seem to fit (in my opinion).

 

[Mitlov]

They know they're on the US soil and that customs are different. So long as you make an obvious effort to be polite, and don't get into politics (either modern politics or WWII politics), I really don't think any is going to offended if you inadvertently do something that isn't considered polite in Japan. So I personally wouldn't worry about going to the consulate.

In my experience at a school with an unusually-large population of foreign nationals, humor can be different across national and language lines, and sarcasm is a minefield, but a warm-yet-formal politeness and a sincere attempt to be courteous will get you through nearly everything, even if you don't know the ins and outs of another culture.

 

[Sam1911]

Yes, just be polite and a bit formal. I don't think the consulate is going to give you a clear set of "rules of the road" for the intricacies of their nationals and firearms. I also believe that most folks are pretty aware that when they are HERE, it isn't THERE. They don't expect people to bow (you won't know exactly HOW you should bow to each person anyway), or to know their hand gestures any more than you'll expect them to know the rules of gun handling.

I wouldn't worry about the Japanese guns, either. I'll be they'll be happy to see one or two along with your others.

 

[Pilot]

The atrocities, attack on Pearl Harbor, and any details of WWII have been purposely bred out of Japanese for decades. Most know nothing about it. I doubt there will be any ill will from shooting an Arisaka or Nambu as they will have absolutely no knowledge of it, and their will not be any animosity. Their may be some curiosity, but that's about it.

 

[rdhood]

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.

I would worry about the Japanese firearms being an insult, but as long as you have a mix of guns I don't think it would be a problem. now for my 2 cents:

I have shot with a few foreign nationals, including a couple from southeast asia (China). In my opinion, folks from firearm-oppressed countries are more interested in the firearm itself. A Chinese woman that I know, who has a membership at a local gun club, said that when she is in China, they have shooting ranges where they are only allowed ONE .22lr cartridge in a PISTOL, and the target is over 50 meters away. And men with guns watch you closely with your one .22lr cartridge in a pistol!

Anyway, I think that they appreciate a wide variety of guns and I think they are surprised with the relaxed way we handle firearms... they have never seen them in a non-military or non-police setting.

Just be sure to start them out with something like 22lr. If you give them a higher powered rifle or shotgun, watch their form so that they don't get hurt (these are the mistakes that I have made with newbies before).

 

[RX-79G]

This thread reads like no one here has ever actually met a Japanese person. They are people, not culturally programmed robots.

Some will have no real interest (like many Americans), and some will have huge Airsoft collections or enjoy action films and anime.

The biggest challenge will be translating firearms safety lingo - knowing English doesn't mean they'll immediately comprehend terms like "down range" or "chamber a round".

The Japanese are generally open, cultured, fun loving and nice.

 

[cambeul41]

My resident Japanese immigrant (AKA Mrs. cambeul41) is pro-gun and carries when and where legal. Her father used to shoot skeet and her cousin hunted birds on his farm until his dog died.

The father of my high school girl friend in Tokyo in the late 1950s left his shotgun where we would be sure to see it on a regular basis as long as we were dating.

I had some work done on a rifle in a Tokyo gun shop.

Japanese visitors are typically thrilled by the chance to shoot, but they should shower and wear fresh clothing before going through airport security. One of our guests did not, and got the full treatment until the TSA guy going through his luggage found his souvenir target.

 

[we are not amused]

I'm just wondering, "why?" I don't believe that private ownership of firearms is legal in Japan anyway, is it?

Why? Why not?

While guns are very tightly controlled in Japan, there is an enormous interest among many in Japan about guns. Gun tourism is quite popular in Japan, with many Japanese tourist booking flights to Guam, Hawaii, and even Las Vegas, Nevada to shoot guns. I have heard that full auto machine guns are very popular, I wonder why!

 

[akodo]

#1 I don't think the Japanese visiting you will be in any way offended by seeing/shooting WW2 era Japanese firearms.

#2 you may even have the opportunity to check the translations of the characters stamped on the guns

#3 Japanese and Firearms are tied together by Movies, and I suspect while it wouldn't be mentioned to you, there would be a little let-down if at least a few iconic guns weren't present for being shot. I am sure a 44 magnum revolver would be a big hit, as would be even a 357 magnum, but also a Colt Single Action Army, and a 1911. But it wouldn't even have to be AMERICAN guns, a lot of german guns get screen time in movies, I am sure a Luger would be a great choice as well.

#4 Realize you aren't out to make 2nd amendment converts or to introduce shooting to people in a way that would make them want to join the hobby. If I was going to bring a group out to do this I'd want each attendee to have a LOT of trigger time as well as teaching them the basics of marksmanship etc, and having the assistance present to do this, which is generally 1 for every 2-3 shooters. Your situation is different. I would suggest bringing out one gun at a time for shooting. Take the gun out, talk about it a bit, let them see it, and then have them queue up to shoot it, just a few rounds and then on to the next person.

#5 Offer the opportunity for the shooters to pose with and be photographed with EVERY gun they shoot. 5 photos of shooting 2-3 rounds out of 5 different guns is probably a bigger deal than zero photos of shooting 100 rounds through 1 or 2 guns.

 

[TRX]

Imagine you're visiting Japan, your host takes you to a range, shows you his well-kept Garand, and offers to let you shoot it. Would you be offended?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Totally a guess, but I think they'd like to forget World War II and want to see firearms used in American movies and TV.

 

[T2K]

A lot of good advice in this thread. I've lived in Asia for a long time, traveled to Japan many times, and have close Japanese friends.

My take on this:

1. Original Question - No, no one will be offended as long as you don't go on some tangent about the war and how we won and ra ra ra. The fact that you are asking this question shows that you are polite, so that won't happen. They will be honored that you are interested in Japanese firearms.

2. Remember, their English skills will vary widely. Really make sure they understand the safety stuff with back briefings, as someone mentioned above.

3. Be more formal in your manner and actions. Speak slowly.

4. Make sure to allow them to take photos, this will be important. They use Facebook too, and want to show how cool they are in the US shooting up like John Wayne.

Sounds fun, wish I could join you!

 

[Trent]

When you are giving your safety briefings, find one person in the group who has GOOD English skills, and have them translate what you say to Japanese AS YOU SAY IT AND DEMONSTRATE.

This way the guests with weaker language skills won't get confused about what you are telling them, safety wise.

They will also be MUCH more likely to ask for clarification from the translator, than they will from YOU. (They will be worried about offending you if they misspeak)

 

[Trent]

One other thing, be prepared to take in a passive lesson on good manners and politeness. They are, culturally, a VERY polite people - in general, every red-blooded American could learn a thing or two from them about this.

 

[Field Tester]

So how did it go?! Any pictures of smiling faces?

 

[cheesebigot]

Sorry, late back to the party.

A great time was had by all and I am awaiting pictures from my cohort.

Basically, I was slow and as polite as I could be and remembered the little things:

-I read the business cards before pocketing them
-I introduced myself to the elders first (though, most of them were seemingly the same age)
-I asked their translator to confirm everything I said was understood

We ended up shooting one-at-a-time through everything I brought, even the Japanese relics.

One man asked me if I knew what the markings on my Type 99 meant and I told him something about the Nagoya arsenal and the year I remembered and he commended me on my research.

All in all, they seemed to enjoy the rifles the most, the handguns seemed to scare some of them.

As if hosting a fun, safe outing was not the highlight of the day, I was formally invited to visit Tokyo (on their dime and hosted by them) in the fall to help with a new business development.

Thank you all very much for your help, I think it may not have been as structured or polite without your input.

 

[Trebor]

Glad it went well. Thanks for the followup.

 

[Trent]

Sounds like you did very well! Congratulations.

 

[rs7]

Bring the icons. Most of what they've seen have probably been in films and TV. A SAA, a 1911, a Glock (yes, I said it), a Beretta, a Luger if you have one, the Nambu (I think they'd be honored), a lever 30-30, an AR, an AK, and a pump shotgun. But remember, they are of slightly smaller physical proportions so choose carefully. Oh, a Ruger MKII or .22 revolver wouldn't be a bad way to get things started.


Sorry, I was a little late to the party. Glad everything went well.

 

[JERRY]

it would be so cool if you had a Sig P230 in 7.65mm, the one that was a Japanese police contract gun with the added thumb safety and lanyard loop on the left grip panel.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Good for you. Glad it went well.


Definitely go visit Tokyo. You'll love it.

 

[Hometeached1]

Glad it went well.
You should take them up on the trip, but boy it can be a LONG flight.
I learned a lot from the trip overseas I took, while not for fun it was enjoyable. (mostly that as bad as it is here sometimes it could be a whole lot worse, especially when it comes to firearms.)