TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 60-year-old resident of Chiba Prefecture over the alleged possession of “toy handguns” able to firing stay ammunition and inflicting deadly harm amid a nationwide recall of such unlawful weapons.
During a web-based investigation, police found a number of toy handguns listed on an public sale web site. A police search of the house of Osamu Ehara in Sodegaura City, Chiba uncovered 34 mannequin and toy handguns, two of which had been allegedly able to inflicting deadly harm.
Under the Swords and Firearms Control Law, personal possession of handguns is prohibited in Japan. The handguns on this case are deemed “toys” but able to inflicting deadly harm, based on police.
“I recognized them as toys purchased from an overseas online store, but based on my past knowledge and experience, I was concerned they might be illegal,” Ehara mentioned.
“Equivalent to a handgun”
Since 2022, police have begun to categorise such handguns circulating out there as unlawful if they’re deemed to have “functionality equivalent to a handgun.”
To be clear, these should not air weapons. This yr, one air gun fanatic acquired an unlawful handgun. He instantly suspected it may be unlawful, contacted the police and cooperated in its handover.
However, he says it’s tough for folks with no information of handguns to inform the distinction. “My wife won it as a prize at an arcade and gave it to me as a gift,” he says. “I was surprised. I couldn’t believe it was from a crane game. It may be difficult to completely prevent everyone from coming across [such a handgun]. So, if you’re unsure or worried, the best thing to do is to have the police check it out.”
The National Police Agency says {that a} totally prolonged barrel and the aptitude to be loaded with stay ammunition are traits of unlawful handguns. In different phrases, such toy handguns are structurally nearly equivalent to actual handguns.
These unlawful handguns are coming into Japan from abroad. In July, a Chinese-made toy handgun referred to as the Real Gimmick Mini Revolver was additionally deemed unlawful, bringing the overall variety of weapons banned by police to 17.
“The structure is the same, but there are no safety features,” one other air gun fanatic says. “Honestly, I think this is no good. It gives the impression of being dangerous. The circulation of dangerous imported products tarnishes the image of air guns and model guns in Japan. To break away from this cat-and-mouse game, restrictions on imported products are necessary. Many enthusiasts also agree.”
“Used for criminal purposes”
According to the Tokyo police, roughly 15,800 unlawful handguns are in circulation nationwide up to now. Thus far, spherical 3,600 have been recalled.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police is looking for cooperation from the general public within the recall. A spokesperson mentioned, “Although they may look like toys, they actually have firing functions and pose a risk of accidental firing or being used for criminal purposes.”