Ōdzutsu

Nowadays, Ōdzutsu has become a topic of interest to many people around the world. The impact of Ōdzutsu on society is undeniable, since it has generated extensive debate and analysis in various areas. From its impact on the economy to its influence on popular culture, Ōdzutsu is a topic that leaves no one indifferent. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Ōdzutsu and analyze its importance today. Without a doubt, Ōdzutsu is a topic that deserves deep reflection and detailed analysis to understand its relevance in the contemporary world.

Two guns/hand cannons from the Edo period. Above: a flintlock odzutsu.

An ōdzutsu (大筒, 'big cylinder') was a type of artillery used during the Sengoku Jidai and the early Edo period in Japan.

Description

The ōdzutsu was used primarily in naval and siege battles during the Sengoku Jidai for its efficiency in destroying large enemy structures.

Though interpretations of ōdzutsu differ in literature, it is generally regarded as a weapon of forged iron to distinguish it from an ishibiya (a cast bronze hand cannon). Its bullets were about 20 maces (75 g (2.6 oz)). It is fixed to a ring or a wooden frame with only the barrel and fired using a difference fire. Some have an ignition system and a stock that uses a matchlock.

Man with a large odzutsu (Ukiyo-e art from Utagawa Kuniyoshi)

It was considerably more powerful than its cast bronze counterpart, and because it was forged, the risk of the barrel exploding was smaller than that of a cast gun. It could be relatively easily manufactured due to its inexpensive materials, but cannot be produced with too large a diameter due to limited forging techniques at the time.

There is a famous large ōdzutsu, known as the Shibatsuji Gun, located in the Yūshūkan of Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo.

Other remarks

  • The range of a 50-mace (187 g (6.6 oz)) ōdzutsu manufactured by the Kunitomo gunsmiths can reach up to 1.6 km (0.99 mi).
  • The Izu suigun of the Sengoku Jidai used ōdzutsu extensively in naval battles.

References

  1. ^ "Cannons of the Sengoku Jidai period". eniguma49.
  2. ^ "家康の大砲 [Ieyasu's cannon]" (PDF). Kinugawa Chain Industry Co. 2008-08-01.
  3. ^ Arai, Hiroshi. "大砲の歴史と鋳鉄 [Cannon history and cast iron]" (PDF). Advisor of Nippon Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia