A tragic accident occurred on July 8, 2022. Shinzo Abe, the former Prime Minister, was shot and killed during an election speech. Gun ownership is essentially prohibited in Japan due to gun control regulations. In Japan, however, some people own firearms. Here are some examples of people in Japan who own firearms.
In Japan, civilians are permitted to own firearms.
The Firearms and Swords Control Law in Japan strictly regulates civilian gun ownership. However, not all firearms are illegal. For example, civilians may possess “tack guns” for construction work, “slaughter guns” for the safe slaughter of livestock, and “signal guns” for emergency medical care with a permit from the Public Safety Commission if they have a “justifiable reason.” The guns are for use in first aid.
Among the guns, civilians can legally own shotguns, sabots, and riffles for hunting, pest control, or target shooting only.
In the United States, “self-defense,” “home defense,” and “collection” are all considered “legitimate reasons” to own a gun. However, in Japan, they are not.
Air rifles for civilians
Civilians are permitted to own “air guns,” which are broadly classified into six types, among which are airsoft guns, which can be freely owned by anyone, while quasi-air guns and air shotguns are not permitted to be owned by civilians.
Civilians may possess air pistols, hand riffles, and air riffles with permission from the Public Safety Commission. Air pistols, on the other hand, can only be used for target shooting, whereas hand riffles and air rifles can only be used for hunting, pest control, or target shooting.
Permit System for Possession of Hunting Rifles and Air Riffles
To possess a hunting rifle or air rifle in Japan, the following conditions must be met: “the purpose of possession must be hunting, pest control, or target shooting,” “the gun to be possessed must be the appropriate type for the intended use,” and “the applicant must not fall under any of the disqualification criteria.” If these three conditions are met, the next step is to apply at the police station with jurisdiction for a permit to possess a firearm.
Attending a training session for hunting rifles, etc.
Attending a beginner’s course at the local police station is the first step toward obtaining a permit to carry a firearm. This course includes lectures on the laws that govern gun ownership and handling. There is a written examination at the end of the course that must be passed.
Attending a training shooting course
Following completion of the beginner’s course, the next step is to enroll in an instructional shooting course. You will compete in a clay pigeon shooting competition using shotguns provided by the range during this course. There is a practical test at the end of the course, but the emphasis is on how you hold and handle the gun. When handling a gun for the first time, you may feel nervous, but you must learn to relax.
Temporary seizure of the gun
After passing the target shooting test, the next step is to select the gun you want to own. You can buy a gun from someone or on the Internet, but if this is your first time, you should go to a gun store. The type of gun you choose will be determined by the gun owner’s purpose (hunting? Target shooting?) and other factors.
Applying for a Concealed Carry Permit
After you’ve decided on the gun you want to carry, you’ll need to apply for a gun permit from the Public Safety Commission. To apply for a permit, you must submit a number of documents. It may be difficult at first, but ensure that you have everything in order to submit.
Managing your gun
When your gun permit application is approved, you will be issued a permit to carry a hunting rifle or air rifle. It is extremely difficult to obtain a gun, but it is even more difficult to keep one. Make sure you understand how to renew and manage your firearms, as well as what to do with them when you no longer need them.
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