June 16, 2025

Inside Japan’s Ultra-Strict Gun Control System

Japan has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world, and the reasons are rooted in historical, cultural, and legal factors:

1. Historical Context
Feudal history and the Tokugawa era (1603-1868): Japan has a long history of restricting weapons to maintain order. During the Edo period, the ruling shogunate centralized power and limited weapons ownership to the samurai class. This laid the groundwork for modern gun control.

Post-WWII pacifism: After World War II, Japan adopted a pacifist constitution, renouncing war and emphasizing internal peace and stability. This shaped public attitudes toward weapons, including firearms.

2. Cultural Attitudes
Low crime society: Japanese society places a high value on social harmony and conformity. Violent crime rates are extremely low, and there’s little public demand for private gun ownership.

Trust in government and police: The public generally trusts the police and government to maintain safety, reducing the perceived need for self-defense with firearms.

3. Strict Legal Framework
Firearms and Swords Control Law (1958): This law essentially bans gun ownership by civilians. Only shotguns and air rifles are allowed under very strict conditions.

Rigorous application process: To legally own a shotgun or air rifle, applicants must:

-Pass a written exam and shooting test

-Undergo a background check and mental health evaluation

-Provide justification for use (e.g., hunting, sport)

-Store the firearm securely and allow regular inspections

Handguns are completely banned.

4. Effective Enforcement
Police in Japan enforce gun laws very thoroughly. Gun crime is rare, and even organized crime groups (yakuza) generally avoid using firearms due to harsh penalties and increased scrutiny.

5. Results
Japan consistently reports extremely low rates of gun violence - often fewer than 10 gun deaths per year in a country of over 120 million people.

In short, Japan’s lack of guns is a result of a combination of historical choices, cultural norms, legal strictness, and effective law enforcement.