Ashigaru Spearmen
The biggest change in the Sengoku period (1467–1603) would affect the role
of missile troops in battle. At the start of the period, these were all armed
with the yumi (bow) and fought in coordinated units to pepper the enemy with
their arrows. This bow, like the equivalent English Longbow, took many years
training to perfect but was deadly when used correctly. Due to the training
needed there were never as many yumi armed troops as a daimyo may have
wanted!
This product contains:
- 20 plastic Ashigaru with bow and arquebus
- Decal sheet with Takeda clan markings
- Assembly leaflet
- Plastic bases
This would change with the introduction of firearms in 1543 via some
Portuguese merchants. It did not take long for clever daimyos to see the
opportunity they provided. As in Europe, the relative lack of training needed to
use one meant Teppo (muskets) rapidly replaced the yumi as the missile weapon of
choice.
From having no gunpowder weapons before their introduction within 60 years
teppo would outnumber yumi on the battlefield by a ratio of 4 or 5 to
1. However the yumi did not disappear, there would always be yumi armed troops
amongst the teppo to help protect them while they reload.
This product is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue and paints not
included.