Landsharks is a group of airsoft reenactors from Japan. This airsoft team is known for faithfully representing US Marine Corps (USMC) units, especially Force Recon, although they also portray "grunt" infantry units.

Most of their members own the original gear used by these Marines, from vests and equipment to accessories such as holographic sights or laser designators. Additionally, this team frequently participates in milsim games, where representation is a crucial part of the event. These games bring together leading teams from Japan that represent Navy SEAL units, the U.S. Army, and even Taliban forces.

It’s time to introduce yourselves to the readers of 020 Magazine.

Hello, my name is Taro. I belong to the Landsharks, a Japanese team passionate about airsoft and reenactment. We represent several USMC units. Our team currently consists of fifteen members, whose ages range from thirty to forty years old.

One of the most important aspects of our team is representation. This is not just about collecting gear but also about portraying the unit itself. Landsharks mainly focus on playing airsoft, though some of our members are dedicated solely to reenactment. "KINSYACHIKAI" is the Japanese word that best defines our team.

"
One of the most important events in Japan is Operation Heart Rock. Besides playing milsim, the event gathers the most "geardo" groups from across the country.
"

Which Marine Corps units do you usually represent?

We mainly represent different types of units from 2000 to the present. As you can see in the photos, we usually focus on Force Recon units and USMC infantry that are part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). We play using the same roles as in real life, from radio operators and support roles to "corpsmen" (U.S. Navy medics).

Why did you choose to represent the Marines instead of more elite units like the Navy SEALs or Delta Force?

Delta Force and Navy SEAL units are quite popular in Japan. However, the USMC also has its own "fame" since there are several Marine bases in the country. This makes it easier to collect gear and surplus items at a reasonable price. I have to admit that I used to collect SEAL gear myself, but now my mind is only focused on the Marines (laughs).

Do all the team members live in the same area, or are you from different parts of Japan?

Most of us live in Nagoya and Osaka. However, we usually organize ourselves via email or Skype to meet up for games or photoshoots.

"
Since Japanese gun regulations do not allow us to own real firearms, airsoft is very popular.
"

Tell us, how does airsoft work in the Land of the Rising Sun?

Since Japanese gun laws do not allow us to own real firearms, airsoft is very popular here. We use both AEGs and GBBs, which are regulated under Japanese law. It is very important for us to keep our airsoft guns within the legal speed limits.

What airsoft game modes do you usually play?

We mostly play milsim and try to attend the most important events in Japan. For example, the famous Heart Rock event is the biggest milsim event in Japan. I personally attended as the leader of the USMC faction.

Tell us more about this event. Our readers may not have heard of it yet.

As I mentioned, one of the most important events in Japan is Operation Heart Rock. Besides playing milsim, the event gathers the most "geardo" groups from across the country. It’s a pleasure to see such detailed representations of Navy SEAL, Army, and USMC units, as well as Taliban forces, with so much original gear. Some participants even bring real U.S. military night vision goggles like AN/PVS-14 or PVS-15.

In our case, our camp was as close to a real one as possible, where we also conducted training sessions. All missions are "controlled" by HQ, and the event’s theme is decided months in advance. Some participants even brought HMMWVs (Humvees) from the U.S. Army, which were truly impressive. All of this creates a deeper sense of immersion.

Do you have any new photoshoots or special events planned for the future?

Coincidentally, we have another Heart Rock event coming up in a few months. Of course, we will be attending. We’ll send you some photos! ;-)

Thank you very much, it has been a pleasure talking with you, Taro.

Thank you! I’d like to add that there are many collectors and airsoft players representing SOF, SEAL, and ODA units. If you’re interested, we would be happy to introduce you to these teams. We are also planning a new event and photoshoot with all of them.

We’ll keep that in mind, and we’ll be in touch soon!