Beginners Guide to Airsoft

One question that comes up a lot is, “How do I start playing airsoft?” This is where we do our best to give you all the information you need in this beginners guide to airsoft. If you have any specific questions about airsoft, you are welcome to join our group and the community, or just send us a message.

Contents

Check out Defrowe Airsoft’s top twelve rules for airsoft on Japan featuring AOJ’s own Nineteen and Mirage

A Beginners Guide to Airsoft in Japan

Airsoft guns, known as ‘airgun’ (エアガン) in Japan, and airsoft games, called ‘survival game’ (サバイバルゲーム) or ‘sabage’ (サバゲー), are gaining popularity. With many TV personalities and influencers showcasing airsoft, more beginners are keen to join but may not know how. This Beginner’s Guide to Airsoft in Japan will help you get started.

English Support for Players

Many airsoft fields lack English support, requiring basic Japanese proficiency to understand rules and safety guidelines. Beginners should consider joining bilingual games like ours, where leaders provide translations to help new players enjoy the experience.

Common Rules

Every airsoft field enforces rules to ensure safety and smooth gameplay. Beginners must understand these rules to avoid penalties.

Manners & Etiquette

Although there may be minor differences in rules from field to field, these are the most common:​

  • Minimum age limit is 18 years old (some fields may accept those under 18 if a guardian signs a waiver. Check with the field).
  • All weapons must comply with Japanese firearm laws.
  • Outdoor fields only allow 0.20g-0.28g biodegradable BBs.
  • Indoor fields only allow 0.20g BBs and semi-auto fire only.
  • No freeze calls.
  • Do not swear or verbally abuse other players.
  • Call your hits and do not cheat.
  • Do not shoot through small gaps in cover (typically smaller than your fist).
  • Do not ‘blind fire’ (shooting without aiming down the weapon sights).

Airsoft Safety

  • Always wear eye protection at the shooting range or in the field.
  • Before leaving the shooting range or field, remove the gun magazine and fire into the bucket or bin by the entrance to ensure there are no BBs in the chamber. Then set the weapon’s fire selector to ‘safe’.
  • Do not aim any airsoft weapon at any player in the safety area.
  • Do not put any magazines or BBs in the weapon in the safety area.

Find a Field to Play Airsoft

There are many field options in Japan to play airsoft, primarily around the Tokyo area, with most airsoft fields being in Chiba.

We have compiled a list of popular airsoft fields from our collective experience. There are more fields out there so it is worth noting that if you search online for ‘survival game field’ in Japanese (サバイバルゲームフィールド) you will be able to find them on Google and Google Maps.

Our list of fields can be found here.

What to Bring to Your First Airsoft Game

For your first game it is better to rent equipment, but there are also some things you can bring from home to cut some of the costs.

If you have them at home, try to bring with you

  • Gloves: Thin and flexible for handling.
  • Hat or Cap: Protect your forehead.
  • Scarf: Shield your neck.
  • Appropriate Clothing: Blend with the field’s environment.
  • Supportive Shoes: Ideal for rough terrain.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Stay hydrated and energized.
  • Spare Clothes: Change after the game.
  • Body Wipes: Freshen up post-game.

What to Rent to Play Airsoft

To play airsoft you will need an AEG (automatic electric gun) or gas gun (not ideal in colder months) and a pair of goggles as a minimum. These can be rented at fields for ¥2,500-¥3,500 for the day. Fields do have other rental options too, such as BDU (battle dress uniform), batteries, extra magazines, etc. These items are typically listed in the fees section of most fields’ websites and are usually always readily available. Some fields will even have multiple options for each rental item. If it is a game we are hosting, we often have premium quality rental weapons and equipment available.

Necessities to Play Airsoft

While renting equipment such as goggles, a mask, or BDU and an airsoft rifle is good for your first game, it works out more cost-effective to buy them if you play multiple times. ​For example, if you play airsoft more than three times, it would be cheaper to buy a set of goggles (and a mask). If you play more than ten times, it would be cheaper to buy your own AEG rifle. Buying your own will mean you can choose exactly what type of safety gear and airsoft gun you want.

Goggles & Face Protection

Goggles are mandatory for all airsoft players. Beginners should choose full-seal goggles and consider additional face protection to avoid injuries from BBs.

There are many types of goggles and face protection available and the best place to get them would be at an airsoft supply store. If you do buy them online, we strongly recommend checking reviews to ensure they are suitable or buy a brand that is known to airsofters.

Some goggles will be more like shooting glasses, while others will be a full-seal type. It is worth noting that if you wear glasses, there are still plenty of goggles that are suitable to wear over them. You can even get goggles with prescription inserts.

Airsoft Gun

When it comes to buying and airsoft gun, there are several types to choose from:

  • Handgun / Pistol
  • SMG (Submachine Gun)
  • Assault Rifle
  • LMG (Light Machine Gun)
  • Shotgun
  • Sniper Rifle / DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle)

As well as different energy sources:

  • Battery: primarily for rifles, but there is also a range of electric handguns.
  • Gas: mainly for handguns, but there’s a growing selection of gas rifles and shotguns.
  • Spring (known as ‘air-cocking’): typically for shotguns, sniper rifles and budget handguns.

Whichever type you choose, we strongly recommend a Tokyo Marui brand, as they are proven to be very reliable, resilient and well-made airsoft guns. ​Just take into consideration that some fields may limit weapon types and firing modes. Indoor fields do not allow fully automatic fire, so if the airsoft gun does not have a semi-auto firing mode, they will not let you use it. Handguns are not really suitable for large fields due to their limited range and accuracy, etc.

Other Safety Gear

A 6mm BB may not seem like much, but it is enough to break a tooth if you get unlucky. This is why we also recommend a mesh face guard for airsoft players. ​Getting shot with a BB does sting and in the right place, can cause pain and bruising. Other safety gear may include a scarf or neck gaiter, elbow and knee pads, gloves or even headwear.  When you visit fields, you will notice that many players wear full safety gear, not only because it fits a theme, but because it offers protection.

Gameplay

CALL YOUR HITS! This is the most important advice for any airsofter. Being called a zombie in a game when you do not call your hits can lead to being told to leave. About 95% of airsofters will honestly call their hits, with the remaining 5% being considered cheaters and made to feel unwelcome.

​Airsoft is considered a sport due to the fast-paced gameplay. Outdoor fields will usually have rough terrain, large open spaces and players will run through the field. At indoor fields, usually running is not permitted and gameplay is more focused on CQB (close-quarter battle).

​Usually when you are hit in airsoft you shout “HIT!” and either return to the spawn point or safety area, depending on the game mode.

​Airsoft can be a good exercise, but also an expensive hobby to get started. If you are new to airsoft or even an experienced player and are in the Tokyo area, feel free to register at one of our games. We are very beginner-friendly and will help all players to feel welcome.

Airsoft Communities

While there are many Japanese communities, there are almost no English-language or bilingual communities. Communities are designed to organise events, play together as a group or just a social network of people you can chat with. Our community does our best to cater to both new and veteran players and create a comfortable environment.