I am going camping soon, and since I want a fire, I need a way to break up the wood as well. I was thinking about buying a nata(japanese machete). Anyone know what the rules are regarding having these with you? The only times I would have it with me is bringing it home from the store as well as taking it camping. What are the risks as a foreigner having one of these with you? Sorry if I sound paranoid, I just don’t want to get in any trouble if I can help it.
4 comments
From what ive seen of the Japan police youtube videos and such, it seems its fine to have things if you have a valid reason. Strolling in Shibuya with a tomahawk in your back pocket would raise red flags because of the location and lack of anything visually giving reason for having it…. Having one with a bunch of camping equipment would make sense though so id think you would be fine.
You just need to keep it inside of your backpack, and not easily accessible. Have some other camping gear in your backpack with the hatchet to make it very obvious you are going camping.
If the police decide it’s not enough to convince them you’re going camping, then it’s illegal.
For transport (from the store as well as when you’re going camping) or when you aren’t using it at the camp ground, put it in a dedicated bag or something that can be tied up nicely, so it does not look “readily usable”.
When going camping having the reservation for the camp site readily available to show as prove is also a good idea.