Japan Recalls Harry Potter Replica Swords Over Weapons Law Breach

Replicas of a sword from the Harry Potter film series have been recalled in Japan due to non-compliance with the nation’s stringent weapons legislation. These full-scale reproductions of Godric Gryffindor’s sword, measuring 86cm (34 inches) and mounted on a wooden display plaque, were distributed by Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC between May 2023 and late April of this year. However, it was not until November that authorities informed the company that these items possessed sufficient sharpness to be classified as actual swords. Reports indicate that over 350 replicas of Godric Gryffindor’s sword were sold, each priced at 30,000 yen ($200; £158). The sales took place at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter, which commenced operations in 2023 in Tokyo. This venue is promoted as Asia’s inaugural studio tour of its kind and the world’s largest indoor Harry Potter attraction. Warner Bros. Studios Japan LLC has issued a recall notice for the sword on its official website. The notice cites “a distribution issue in Japan” and instructs purchasers to make contact for “necessary action including logistics and refund”. The company did not provide an immediate response when contacted by the BBC for comment. Japan’s strict weapons law prohibits the carrying of knives exceeding 6cm (2 inches), with violations potentially leading to a prison sentence of up to two years. Under the Firearms and Swords control law, replicas deemed sharp enough to be categorized as swords must be registered with authorities, unless they are intended for training or decorative purposes and cannot be sharpened. Despite Japan’s generally low rates of violence, incidents involving weapons do occur periodically. Last year, a 78-year-old man in Yokohama was apprehended after assaulting his neighbor with a ceremonial samurai sword during a disagreement. In 2017, a samurai sword, along with other knives, was discovered at a Tokyo shrine following an attack that resulted in three fatalities.