The Shogun’s Choice

Why do we find it so difficult to ban assault rifles in private hands?

Setting: The court of Shogun Hideyoshi Toyotomi in Osaka Castle, 1588.

Characters:
Hideyoshi — The Taiko, Shogun of Japan
General Yamada — Supreme Samurai General
Miyoko — Senior advisor advocating confiscation of firearms
Tamura — Senior advisor advocating banning firearms
Blackburn — The Portuguese Ambassador
Matashichi — Leader of NMA, the National Matchlock Association
Yoshi — Representative of the matchlock-makers guild

Hideyoshi: I am troubled by the recent mass murder in a children’s school. It is the 6ooth this year. I invite your counsel regarding firearms spreading through my realm.

Miyoko: Wise Shogun, please order confiscation of all matchlocks. The peasants cannot be trusted with such weapons.

Tamura: I agree. Ban matchlocks entirely to avoid uprising and unrest.