Page 34 - Martial Science Magazine Feb/2015 #7

1. Preventing that the fuse was wet: for this they
added an element that was still run the in the
rain. (The use of the wick in Japan will last cen-
turies, while in Europe the wick will be replaced
by the flint which caused a spark instantly and it
was easier to use).

2. Little effect and penetration of projectiles:
This was another concern regarding the use of
muskets. The shot had little ability to penetrate
armor at impact. To solve this problem it will
gradually increase both the size and weight of
the projectiles.

And we have to add a third problem, which is
not going to be solved with a new design, but
with training and strategy. The problem is the
slow time of charging and firing.

This problem will be solved in two different
ways; First riflemen of different clans were
trained to recharge the Tanegashima was fast
as possible. Thus a part of the ashigaru are
going to be trained in the specific use of this
weapon.

Second, Lords are going to develop specific
strategies to use this weapon in the battle-
field, like making shots in batches, dividing
the riflemen in sectors and firing alternately
between shots always having a group that was
reloading.

Already in the 1560s, the use of Tanegashi-
ma was decisive in the battles of the Sengoku
Period. Oda Nobunaga, who was critical of
Tanegashima, was among those who took ad-
vantage of their potential use in battles and
wars. In the late sixteenth century, Japan will
be the nation's muzzleloader world. And the
shinobi will not be left out in this arms race.

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