New Nambu M57

The New Nambu M57 is a family of semi-automatic pistols produced by Shin-Chuō Industries, which later became part of Minebea. Its name honors Kijirō Nambu, the founder of Shin-Chuō Industries and a well-known firearm designer. After Japan’s surrender, all domestic firearm development stopped, and American-made guns were used by law enforcement and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). To support local industry, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) pushed for domestic production of service weapons.

Development began in 1957, with three handgun projects running at the same time. The semi-automatic design became the New Nambu M57, while the revolver was called the New Nambu M60. Work finished in 1958, but the M57 never entered service due to compatibility issues between the JSDF and U.S. forces. In the 1970s, the JSDF again tested 9mm pistols alongside the United States.

Minebea created a modified version, the M57A1, for this trial, but the contract went to the SIG Sauer P220 in 1982. A small number of M57A and M57B models were bought to keep production skills and capacity alive, but they were never issued to the JSDF or any police agency. A combat pistol meant for the JSDF and the Maritime Safety Agency. It was essentially a 9×19mm Parabellum version of the American M1911A1.

The M1911A1 was the standard JSDF sidearm, but its recoil was too strong for many Japanese users with smaller hands, so a lighter-caliber option was needed. An improved version of the M57A. A compact semi-automatic pistol designed for railroad and airport police. It was based on the FN Model 1910, with the firing mechanism changed from striker-fired to hammer-fired.