Matagi
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The Matagi are traditional winter hunters of the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, most famously today in the Ani area in Akita Prefecture, which is known for the Akita dogs. Afterwards, they spread to
A group of matagi in traditional costume, 1917
Makiri a traditional Matagi hunting knife
Murata rifle
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The Murata rifle was the first indigenously produced Japanese service rifle adopted in 1880 as the Meiji Type 13 Murata single-shot rifle. The 13 referred to the adoption date, the year 13 in the Meij
Matagi
…worship of the Ainu people. With the introduction of modern firearms in the 19th century, and mass-production of reloadable cartridges beginning with the Murata rifle, the need for group hunting for bear has diminished, leading to a decline in Matagi culture. Matagi hamlets are found in the districts of Nishitsugaru…
Type 22 Murata repeating rifle
Murata Tsuneyoshi, the inventor of the Murata rifle.
Japanese soldiers during the First Sino-Japanese War, equipped with Murata rifles.