Just out of curiosity (from the SKB web site):
History of SKB Shotguns
In 1548, Portuguese explorers landed on Tanegashima Island in the Province of Kyushu, Japan. These merchants were the first to bring modern guns into Japan during the time of the Japanese Civil War. These clan leaders needed modern weapons for their samurai warriors to run countryside.
By the later half of the 19th century, the Mito clan was well established in an area northeast of Tokyo. In a small gun repair factory, which belonged to the clan, Mr. Shigyo SaKaBa worked as a gunsmiths apprentice. In 1855, at the age of 20, the feudal lord appointed Shigyo SaKaBa to the position of gunsmith to supervise the development and production of guns for the clan.
This small factory was known for its craftsmanship; producing guns of the highest quality and strongest construction. Mr. Shigyo SaKaBa is considered to be the founder of the current SKB (SaKaBa) Arms Company. Today, SKB incorporates modern technology with old world craftsmanship to produce a complete line of premier grade competition shotgun.
