Airsoft originated in Japan in the 1970s as a target shooting sport and later gained popularity in casual war games, spreading to the UK and US in the 1980s and 1990s. Various types of airsoft guns include electric, spring, gas-powered, and CO2 guns, with applications in military simulation and training. The document details types and characteristics of airsoft guns such as rifles, sniper rifles, shotguns, and pistols, highlighting the popularity of airsoft electric guns.