Hi!, I have been thinking of moving to japan for awhile and I was wondering if you can legally own a working Springfield 1863 Musket or any black powder gun here in Japan.
No. No you cannot. There is no right to bear arms in Japan, nor are black powder guns regulated any differently like they are in the States.
You can only own a gun if you get a license. You generally can only get a license if you can prove a need. “Collecting” doesn’t count.
People like licensed hunters and competition shooters own guns. The general populace does not.
The short answer is “No”.
The longer answer is “Probably No”.
The general feeling amongst law makers and law enforcement is that no one *needs* a gun. So for those who *want* a gun there is a fairly onerous process.
All of those tests and interviews will be conducted in Japanese. They will not have assistance for those who struggle with the language.
Pro-Tip: When the passport control officer asks *”What is the nature of your visit?”*, do not under any circumstances mention anything whatsoever about guns and ammo.
Pro-Pro-Tip: Check that you’ve not accidentally left hundreds of rounds of ammo in your luggage before getting on the aeroplane. And if you do find that you’re accidentally carrying several kilos of ammunition, don’t just put it into the nearest garbage bin, not like that other American lady.
YES, those are actually perfectly legal to carry in the streets. That’s because Sakamoto Ryoma carried a Smith and Wesson during the Teradaya incident in 1866.
Nope.
If you really like guns and want to live in Japan, then buy a replica from Tokyo Marui. It’s very realistic and good looking! Plus it’s legal 🙂
5 comments
No. No you cannot.
There is no right to bear arms in Japan, nor are black powder guns regulated any differently like they are in the States.
You can only own a gun if you get a license. You generally can only get a license if you can prove a need. “Collecting” doesn’t count.
People like licensed hunters and competition shooters own guns. The general populace does not.
The short answer is “No”.
The longer answer is “Probably No”.
The general feeling amongst law makers and law enforcement is that no one *needs* a gun. So for those who *want* a gun there is a fairly onerous process.
This article goes into it:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/behold-the-four-month-process-of-buying-a-gun-in-japan/2017/10/05/72283fea-2375-11e7-b503-9d616bd5a305_story.html
All of those tests and interviews will be conducted in Japanese. They will not have assistance for those who struggle with the language.
Pro-Tip: When the passport control officer asks *”What is the nature of your visit?”*, do not under any circumstances mention anything whatsoever about guns and ammo.
Pro-Pro-Tip: Check that you’ve not accidentally left hundreds of rounds of ammo in your luggage before getting on the aeroplane. And if you do find that you’re accidentally carrying several kilos of ammunition, don’t just put it into the nearest garbage bin, not like that other American lady.
YES, those are actually perfectly legal to carry in the streets. That’s because Sakamoto Ryoma carried a Smith and Wesson during the Teradaya incident in 1866.
Nope.
If you really like guns and want to live in Japan, then buy a replica from Tokyo Marui.
It’s very realistic and good looking! Plus it’s legal 🙂