Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Alleman, Mark. 2000 ‘Japan - Permission.’ Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law (Translation); Vol. 9(1) (Art. 4), pp. 197-199. Seattle WA: Pacific Rim Law & Policy Journal Association. 1 February
Relevant contents
A person who falls under any one of the following clauses shall, for each firearm or sword sought to be possessed, obtain permission for possession from the Prefectural Public Safety Commission having jurisdiction over the person's address:
(1) a person intending to possess a hunting gun or air gun for use in hunting, the destruction of harmful animals, or target practice;
(2) a person, who, for use in lifesaving, anesthetizing or butchering animals, or in the fishing, construction, or other industries, seeks to possess a gun for firing rescue lines, a gun for firing rescue signals, a gun for anesthetizing or butchering animals, a whaling gun, a harpoon gun, a whaling signal gun, a construction-type nail gun, a construction-type line discharge gun, or other gun necessary for use in another industry as prescribed by Cabinet Order;
(3) a person intending to possess a gun necessary for use in research or testing prescribed by Cabinet Order; (4) a person seeking to possess an air gun or handgun for use in a handgun shooting contest or air gun shooting contest, who is an athlete participating in a handgun shooting contest or an air gun shooting contest at an athletic competition of international scale prescribed by Cabinet Order, or a person recommended by a person prescribed by Cabinet Order as appropriate to be a candidate;
(5) a person recommended by a person prescribed by Cabinet Order as appropriate to be an umpire in an athletic competition of national or international scope designated by Cabinet Order, who seeks to possess a handgun or signal gun for use as a starting signal in said athletic competition;
(6) a person who seeks to possess a sword necessary for use in hunting, the extermination of harmful animals, butchery, or in the fishing or construction industries;
(7) a person who seeks to possess a sword used in an annual event such as a festival, or other sword, the possession of which is recognized as unavoidable according to general manners and customs;
(8) a person who seeks to possess a firearm (except a handgun, etc.; same hereinafter in this paragraph) or sword, the possession of which is recognized as unavoidable in theater, dance, or other artistic public performance;
(9) a person who seeks to possess a firearm or sword for display at an exposition or other similar type of function;
(10) a person who seeks to possess a firearm or sword as an exhibit for public viewing at a museum or other similar type of facility.