Changes

==Introduction to Japan==

==Introduction to Japan==

The introduction of the European matchlock began in [[1545]], during the appropriately named [[Sengoku period]] ("Period of the Country/Provinces at War"). At this time Japan had found a trading partner in the Europeans. Spaniard and Portuguese sailors who had sailed through Indian and Asian oceans had crash-landed on the small island of [[Tanegashima]], in [[1543]]. "While on this island the Portuguese had offered one of their matchlock rifles as a gift to the local lord"<ref>Bryant 2002</ref>.

The introduction of the European matchlock began in [[1543]], during the appropriately named [[Sengoku period]] ("Period of the Country/Provinces at War"). At this time Japan found a trading partner in the Europeans. In [[1543]] a Portuguese ship arrived off the coast of [[Tanegashima]], south of Kyushu. One item they had was an arquebus. After trying it out, the lord of Tanegashima, Tokitaka, disregarding the high price of the arms, purchased from the aliens two pieces of the firearms for his family treasure and occupied himself ceaselessly with learning to use it. He instructed a retainer to learn to make the powder. Some local iron workers tried to copy the work, but they could not figure out how to close the end of the barrel. Fortunately the next year some more traders arrived, among whom was an iron worker, who taught how to close the barrel and about the springs. This discovery led to the production of several tens of firearms in a period of a little over a year. Tokitaka instructed his retainers to practice on the new weapon, and many beccame proficient. Later, a [[Sakai]] merchant, later known as Teppô-mata, came and stayed on the island for one or two years and learned the craft. From him, the knowledge spread throughout the country.<ref>Nanpo ''Tekkô-ki''</ref>

After that the Portuguese had begun to openly trade with other cities in Japan. [[Nagasaki]] had become a major trade port for trade between the Japanese and Portuguese, and the traders brought a variety of novelties including wool, velvet, tobacco, clocks and eyeglasses. But the most popular and less novel item brought to Japan by Europe, was the matchlock arquebus.  

After that the Portuguese had begun to openly trade with other cities in Japan. [[Nagasaki]] had become a major trade port for trade between the Japanese and Portuguese, and the traders brought a variety of novelties including wool, velvet, tobacco, clocks and eyeglasses. But the most popular and less novel item brought to Japan by Europe, was the matchlock arquebus.  

Many of the ''daimyô'' were impressed after seeing the European matchlock; by [[1549]] many ''daimyô'' ordered their weaponsmiths to copy and mass-produce this advanced weapon<ref>Baker 2004</ref>. One ''daimyô'' in particular who saw potential in this weapon was [[Oda Nobunaga]]; he placed an order for 500 arquebuses, the largest order to date<ref>Turnbull p.g.135</ref>.  

Many of the ''daimyô'' were impressed after seeing the European matchlock; by [[1549]] many ''daimyô'' ordered their weaponsmiths to copy and mass-produce this advanced weapon<ref>Baker 2004</ref>. One ''daimyô'' in particular who saw potential in this weapon was [[Oda Nobunaga]]; he placed an order for 500 arquebuses, the largest order to date<ref>Turnbull p.g.135</ref>.  

Soon the Japanese demonstrated not only their ability to quickly assimilate objects from other cultures, but also their ability to improve upon it. Many metalsmiths went to work and even improved the ''teppô''. This weapon was found to be more powerful then the bow, and easier to use. Eventually the ''teppô'' replaced many archer units in battle<ref>Bryant p.g. 49</ref>.  

Soon the Japanese demonstrated not only their ability to quickly assimilate objects from other cultures, but also their ability to improve upon it. Many metalsmiths went to work and even improved the ''teppô''. This weapon was found to be more powerful then the bow, and easier to use. Eventually the ''teppô'' replaced many archer units in battle<ref>Bryant p.g. 49</ref>.

==A look at the Teppô==

==A look at the Teppô==