The 41st Nagahama Matchlock Gun Competition

About this event

The "41st Nagahama Matchlock Gun Competition" held in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is an event where visitors can experience the history and tradition of Kunitomo, known as a cradle of Japanese firearm production. In 1544, the year following the introduction of firearms to Tanegashima, firearm production reportedly began in Kunitomo. During the Sengoku (Warring States) period, it flourished under the patronage of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu as a major gun manufacturing center alongside Sakai in Osaka. Even after peace was restored and the demand for matchlocks dropped sharply, the gunsmiths adapted their techniques to metal engraving and fireworks, passing these crafts down to the modern era. At this competition, dynamic matchlock firing demonstrations will be performed by gun troops from Kunitomo and Tanegashima, as well as Hikone and Sakai. It is a valuable opportunity combining history and culture where visitors can also feel the enduring friendship with Nishinoomote City, which has fostered sister-city relations over many years.

Venue

Nagahama Castle Historical Museum

10-10 Koen-cho, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0065