I have been interested in the weird weapon, 'Tanegashima' or Japenese matchlock for some year. Although my collection is only some eight examples, these range from early wepons to a rare example of a conversion of a WW2 Arasaka bolt action rifle that has been smooth bored and mounted in a 19th century stock with silver embellishment.

There is so little written in English on the subject,E.G. makers names and area's of production, unlike the Nihonto, that it is even more intrigueing a collecting field.
If any out there has information on the weapons I would be delighted to know. You can reach me via my web site.......

www.collectorsloot.homestead.com

Many thanks.

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You might want to check out http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/. We've had some discussions on Japanese matchlocks over there. Look under the Pre-Flintlock section. Also, an excellent book on the subject is Giving Up the Gun: Japan's Reversion to the Sword, 1543-1879 by Noel Perrin. You can usually find copies fairly cheap on eBay. I got my copy there a few months ago for $5 U.S. :)