Howa
Howa Machinery Company Ltd (豊和工業株式会社) is a Japanese Machinery manufacturer. The company is known internationally for their production of military and civilian firearms.
Firearms
WWII Military
Since 1940 Howa has been heavily involved in the Japanese armaments industry. Many of their WWII-era weapons are highly sought after collector's items.
Howa was involved in manufacturing the famous Arisaka Rifle series.
Post WWII Military
Howa created a copy of the US M1 Garand for Japanese Self Defense Forces during the early days of the Cold war.
During the early 1970s, Howa produced the AR-18 and AR-180 5.56mm assault rifle for Armalite Inc. of Costa Mesa, California, which marketed the rifle to various military forces. Japanese government restrictions on the sales of military small arms to foreign countries eventually forced Howa to cease production of the AR-18/AR-180.
Civilian Rifles
Howa has produced a long line of civilian hunting and target practice rifles in a range of calibers. Howa manufactures components for other firearm companies such as Mossberg.
- Howa M1500 Bolt action rifle in sporting, varmint and heavy barrel configurations.
Other Products
Howa manufactures industrial tools, construction vehicles and windows and doors.
Headquarters
This is the address of the main corporate office and industrial facilities.
1900-1, Sukaguchi, Kiyosu, Aichi, 452-8601 Japan
Sources
Identification information for Arisaka rifles