Japan Gun Laws

Japan Gun Laws:


Those disqualified from possessing a gun according to Article 5 of the Law include
(1) a person less than 18 years of age (a talented athlete of age 14 years or over may be excepted);
(2) a person who has declared bankruptcy and the restrictions have not been removed;
(3) a person who has lost or may lose full mental ability through mental illness or specified health problems, or who has dementia;
(4) a person addicted to alcohol, narcotics, cannabis, opium, or stimulant drugs;
(5) a feebleminded person;
(6) a person without a fixed abode;
(7–11) a person whose license was revoked and a specified period has not elapsed;
(12) any person who has been sentenced to imprisonment and five years have not elapsed since his or her sentence was completed or remitted;
(13–14) a person who violated this Law or a related law and a specified period has not elapsed;
(15) a person who stalked another person and received a warning or restraining order;
(16) a person who behaved violently and received a restraining order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Law;
(17) a person who is recognized by the [Public Safety] Commission as one who has committed violent acts as a member of a group or repeatedly; and
(18) a person who can be reasonably expected to harm another’s life, body, or property, [be a threat to] public safety, or commit suicide.[39]
In addition, if a relative, including a de facto spouse, living with an applicant can be reasonably expected to pose a threat to the life or property of other persons or to public safety by using a gun or sword, the prefecture’s Public Safety Commission may not permit the possession of a gun or sword.[40] There are exceptions and additional restrictions.
In order to possess a hunting gun or air gun, one must attend classes, held by the prefecture’s Public Safety Commission, concerning the laws and regulations on possession of hunting or air guns and the methods of their use and safe storage.[41] In addition, in order to prevent a person without the skills to handle a gun from obtaining one,[42] the law requires an applicant for a gun-possession permit to take a skills test or complete shooting classes.[43] In the case of a rifle, permission for possession is not granted unless the person is a professional hunter; will use it to exterminate harmful animals and birds for the protection of his business; or has had a permit to possess a hunting gun for more than ten years.[44