I LIVE IN JAPAN / Matt Okuhara / Interpreter for the Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps

I saw it as a good opportunity to start a new chapter in my life. I knew that it would be challenging at times and that a lot of the activities that I took part in, in the UK would come to an end. But I also knew that I would be able to develop new interests and pursuits – which in and of itself is an exciting prospect.

Currently, I work with the Matsumoto Castle Gun Corps, a samurai display team that specializes in feudal-era matchlock guns. Matsumoto Castle has an impressive collection of samurai-era guns (often called tanegashima or hinawaju). I help with research, lectures, and keeping the guns in working order. I also take part in public displays along with the rest of the team around Japan. I provide commentary for the many English-speaking guests who come to see us and also take part in the shooting. When I have time I try to run the English language social media and website for the team as well (GunSamurai.com).

I first got into shooting after seeing a display at Mastumoto Castle when I visited as a tourist around twelve years ago.  By chance I noticed an advert in the local newspaper after I had moved to Japan, recruiting new team members.  As I had previously served in the military, I was able to use that knowledge and experience to pass the interview and selection process.  I have been taking part in activities with the team for six years.

What do you appreciate most about Japanese culture?

I am very interested in Japanese history as well as martial arts. Currently, I practice Karate, iiado, and hojutsu (Japanese gunnery). I also ride horses and spend a lot of time training outside. Being in Nagano Prefecture, there is a lot of space and opportunity to practice these arts without the need to travel too far. It also means that I have to use Japanese in lots of different situations with lots of different people; a great way to develop communication ability (I still struggle with kanji though!)

At Matsumoto Castle, I have to opportunity to not only handle some of the priceless artefacts of the feudal era, but I also get the opportunity to talk about them; use them in demonstrations, and answer questions from visitors who are keen to learn more about history. The castle itself is a national treasure and I feel very lucky to be a part of the team that brings history to life.

There are so many unique and bizarre festivals in Japan – even locally in Matsumoto we have a fire festival where participants drag burning rice chaff up a hill. In neighboring Suwa, the world-famous onbashira festival takes place every six years and it involves groups of men riding a huge wooden pillar down a hill, and then dragging it through town to the shrine!