Beginner Resources
Beginner’s Guide to Airsoft in Japan
Learn the rules, safety requirements, equipment and etiquette you need before attending your first airsoft game in Japan.
One question that comes up frequently is: “How do I start playing airsoft?” This guide explains the main rules, equipment, terminology and safety requirements you should know before attending your first game in Japan. If you still have questions, you are welcome to join the AOJ community or contact us directly.
Airsoft in Japan
Airsoft guns are generally called airgun or エアガン in Japan.
Airsoft games are normally called survival game or サバイバルゲーム . The shortened term sabage or サバゲー is also widely used.
Airsoft has become increasingly popular in Japan, with television personalities, content creators and influencers introducing more people to the hobby. However, many beginners are unsure how to find a field, what equipment they need or how Japanese airsoft rules differ from those overseas.
Search for サバイバルゲームフィールド when looking for local airsoft fields on Google or Google Maps.
English Support for Players
Many Japanese airsoft fields provide limited or no English-language support. Players may need enough Japanese ability to understand the morning safety briefing, field boundaries, prohibited actions and game-specific rules.
New players who are not confident in Japanese should consider attending bilingual events. At AOJ games, organisers explain important rules in English and Japanese and assist players throughout the day.
Before the Game
Rules, meeting information, equipment requirements and transport details are explained in advance.
During the Game
Bilingual organisers can explain game modes, answer questions and support new players.
Common Airsoft Rules
Every airsoft field has its own regulations, but most Japanese fields follow similar safety and etiquette standards. Always listen carefully to the field briefing because local rules take priority.
Manners and Etiquette
- Most general games have a minimum age of 18. Some fields offer separate youth games or allow younger players under specific conditions.
- All airsoft guns must comply with Japanese law and the field’s power limits.
- Outdoor fields commonly require biodegradable BBs, often between 0.20g and 0.28g.
- Many indoor fields permit only 0.20g BBs and semi-automatic fire.
- Freeze calls are generally not accepted unless specifically included in the field’s rules.
- Do not verbally abuse, threaten or aggressively confront another player.
- Call your hits honestly and clearly.
- Do not shoot through gaps smaller than the minimum size permitted by the field.
- Never blind fire. You must be able to see where the gun is pointed before firing.
Airsoft Safety
- Keep approved eye protection on whenever you are inside the active field or shooting range.
- Before entering the safety area, remove the magazine and clear the gun using the designated clearing box or firing area.
- Set the fire selector to safe before entering the safety area.
- Never aim an airsoft gun at another person inside the safety area.
- Do not insert a magazine or load BBs while in the safety area.
Do not remove goggles inside the active playing area, even if a game has temporarily stopped. Wait until staff confirm that the field is safe.
Find a Field to Play Airsoft
Japan has many airsoft fields, particularly around the Tokyo region. Chiba Prefecture has one of the largest concentrations of outdoor airsoft fields.
Search online for survival game field or サバイバルゲームフィールド to find locations on Google and Google Maps.
AOJ has also compiled a field directory based on collective experience.
What to Bring to Your First Game
Renting the main equipment is usually the best option for your first game. However, bringing suitable clothing and basic personal equipment from home can reduce costs and make the day more comfortable.
What to Rent
At minimum, you will need an airsoft gun and approved eye protection. Most established fields offer rental packages for new players.
A typical gun and goggles rental package may cost approximately ¥2,500 to ¥3,500 for the day, although prices vary by field.
Additional rental equipment may include:
- Battle dress uniform or field clothing
- Face protection
- Batteries and chargers
- Additional magazines
- Gloves and protective equipment
Rent equipment for your first game. This lets you understand what type of gun, goggles and protective equipment you prefer before spending money.
Essential Airsoft Equipment
Renting is sensible for your first few games, but buying your own equipment may become more cost-effective if you play regularly.
Players who attend several games may benefit from purchasing their own eye and face protection first. After playing more frequently, purchasing an airsoft gun can also become worthwhile.
Goggles and Face Protection
Approved eye protection is mandatory. Beginners should normally choose full-seal goggles and additional lower-face protection.
Shooting glasses, full-seal goggles and goggles designed to fit over prescription glasses are all available. Some models also accept prescription inserts.
Check product reviews and recognised safety ratings. Fashion glasses and ordinary workshop glasses may not be suitable for airsoft.
Choosing an Airsoft Gun
Common airsoft gun categories include:
- Handgun or pistol
- Submachine gun
- Assault rifle
- Light machine gun
- Shotgun
- Sniper rifle or designated marksman rifle
Airsoft guns also use different power systems.
| System | Common Uses | Beginner Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Rifles, SMGs and some handguns | Reliable and usually the easiest choice for a first primary gun. |
| Gas | Handguns, rifles and shotguns | Realistic operation, but performance can decrease in cold weather. |
| Spring | Sniper rifles, shotguns and basic handguns | Must usually be manually cocked before each shot. |
Tokyo Marui products are commonly recommended in Japan because they are generally reliable, well-supported and compatible with Japanese field limits.
Consider where you intend to play. Indoor fields often prohibit fully automatic fire, while large outdoor fields may favour rifles with greater practical range than standard handguns.
Other Safety Gear
A 6mm BB can cause bruising and may damage an unprotected tooth. A mesh or solid lower-face guard is therefore strongly recommended.
Other useful protective equipment includes:
- Gloves
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Hat or helmet
- Durable boots
Airsoft Gameplay
Honest hit calling is one of the most important parts of airsoft. Players who repeatedly ignore hits may be removed from games or asked to leave.
When you are hit, clearly shout “HIT!” and raise your hand or dead rag so other players know you are no longer active.
Depending on the game mode, you may return to a respawn point, wait for a medic or leave the playing area.
Outdoor fields often have rough terrain, wooded areas and open spaces where players may run. Indoor fields normally focus on close-quarter battle and may prohibit running for safety reasons.
Airsoft can provide good physical exercise, but it can also become an expensive hobby. Start with rentals, attend several games and learn what equipment suits you before investing heavily.
Airsoft Communities
Japan has many Japanese-language airsoft groups, but fewer English-language or bilingual communities.
Airsoft communities organise events, help players find teammates, share equipment advice and provide a social network for both new and experienced players.
Airsoft Online Japan aims to provide a comfortable, international environment for players around Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures.
Join Your First AOJ Game
AOJ events are organised for both new and experienced players, with bilingual support, equipment advice and a friendly international community.