Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Japan. 2014 ‘Firearms and Swords Control Law, 1958.’ National Report of Japan on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), p.13. New York NY: Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. 10 March
Relevant contents
Firearms and Swords Control Law, 'Juuhou Toukenrui Shojitou Torishimari Hou', 1958
Area: Import
Aim:
The Law (promulgated on March 10, 1958, Law No.6) aims to regulate the possession and usage of firearms and swords (Article 1).
Specific provisions:
In this Law, the "firearms" are defined as handguns, military rifles, machine guns, guns, hunting guns, any other firearms charged with gunpowder, and air guns (those which use the compressed gas to expel a bullet with kinetic energy higher than a level set by Cabinet decree concerned) (Article 2-1).
Possession of a firearm or firearms or a sword or swords is prohibited, in principle (Article 3-1)
Import of handguns, military rifles, machine guns and guns is prohibited, in principle (Article 3-4).
Import of firearms in violation of Article 3-4 is liable to penalties of 3 years or more imprisonment. Import for profit is liable to penalties of life imprisonment or 5 years or more imprisonment, or life imprisonment or 5 years or more imprisonment and a fine of up to 30 million yen (Article 31-2).
Last accessed at:
http://www.poa-iss.org/NationalReport/NationalReports.aspx