Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan

Leave it to the GOVERNMENT to tackle the real threats to society by outlawing a Harry Potter sword - because apparently magical weapons are a bigger menace than actual crime or the tanking birthrate! What's next, banning Quidditch brooms for "air traffic violations"?

This is just government overreach at its most laughable, targeting fictional props while ignoring real issues. Maybe they think censorship spells work better than actual common sense.

Good old Japan where following the rules has to be the overarching precedent and damn commonsense.

Good. Harry Potter related sword crime is out of control.

apparently the tip of the blade is sharp enough for it to be judged

If only it's not sharp enough and make it blunt.

Leave it to the GOVERNMENT to tackle the real threats to society by outlawing a Harry Potter sword - because apparently magical weapons are a bigger menace than actual crime or the tanking birthrate! What's next, banning Quidditch brooms for "air traffic violations"?

How many hundreds of people do you imagine were diverted from "bigger menaces" to check if a sword is pointy or not? The laws are clear and it makes no sense to make an exception that can later be abused, probably so you can then complain about the government doing nothing in an article about a child's death by a prop sword that was actually sharp.

Nothing lacking in common sense in prohibiting the sale of a sword (Harry Potter or otherwise) that violates the Firearm and Sword Law.

However, Marketing should have done their homework. In Japan unsharpened swords called 居合刀 are used for both practice and display, and they are exempt from the legal restriction. However, they are made with zinc-aluminum alloy blades and can not be sharpened. Any stainless steel blade can be sharpened. In addition it is a double edged design which is banned in Japan. Even if unsharpened, the lengthy steel blade with the point can indeed be used as a weapon.

i’d much rather have a hand-made makuro knife (sword) with 600mm blade and saya (scabbard). Pretty sure they are legal, and much prettier.

*Maguro

Budding ninjas will have to make do with one of these instead.

https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/sword/authentic-sword/

I have a samurai style sword I was given as a gift. It is legal because it doesn't have an edge. It would still work as a club, but not as a cutting thing.

Its a bit like guns where it is the trigger mechanism that is illegal. There was a fuss a few years ago when someone was 3D printing them. Other gun parts like a barrel, stock and scope are legal.

How many hundreds of people do you imagine were diverted from "bigger menaces" to check if a sword is pointy or not? The laws are clear and it makes no sense to make an exception that can later be abused, probably so you can then complain about the government doing nothing in an article about a child's death by a prop sword that was actually sharp.

No one's asking for an exemption on an Excalibur, just a shred of common sense. But hey, I get it: let's place the blame on a hypothetical tragedy involving a prop sword instead of admitting how the GOVERNMENT loves to micromanage harmless hobbies, while letting the real criminals run wild.

No one's asking for an exemption on an Excalibur, just a shred of common sense

You are clearly asking for an exception because you claim that one cop losing 20 minutes in checking a sword, making a report and phoning an amusement park somehow leads to terrible things happening in the country, that is of course completely outside of what is realistic and contrary to common sense.

instead of admitting how the GOVERNMENT loves to micromanage harmless hobbies, while letting the real criminals run wild.

This in no way constitutes micromanagement, it is just applying the law, it is as invalid as stopping one driver because of running a red light or fining someone for smoking in a public space, the law is there and it applies to everybody, so each individual example of someone breaking the law should be treated the same, no exceptions just because you personally don't want to consider one single example not important.

It's crazy because people can do so much more damage with one of those wands. Expelliarmus!

This in no way constitutes micromanagement, it is just applying the law, it is as invalid as stopping one driver because of running a red light or fining someone for smoking in a public space, the law is there and it applies to everybody, so each individual example of someone breaking the law should be treated the same, no exceptions just because you personally don't want to consider one single example not important.

Wholly unsurprising that you could try to defend this nonsense by equating magical prop swords to public safety laws. Running a red light risks lives; owning a cosplay sword risks… what? A papercut? This isn't about fairness - it's about a bloated government flexing control over the most trivial things while real issues like Big Pharma profiteering go unchecked.

Why keep metaphorically licking those bureaucratic boots while the GOVERNMENT turn "law and order" into the ultimate participation trophy?

Wholly unsurprising that you could try to defend this nonsense by equating magical prop swords to public safety laws. 

That is because the law the prop is breaking is also a public safety law, this completely defeats your invalid argument that this should be let go (as an exception).

Running a red light risks lives; owning a cosplay sword risks… what?

A cosplay sword that made from steel with an actual sharp edge? it can actually kill people. Reading the article would clarify this apparent confusion you have about the prop being innocuous.

The other example given that you choose to ignore is also pertinent, fining someone for smoking in a public space (even if this single action will probably not kill anyone) is completely justified for the same reason, there is no point in making an exception just because someone's subjective opinion of this not being importnat.

Why keep metaphorically licking those bureaucratic boots while the GOVERNMENT turn "law and order" into the ultimate participation trophy?

Making obvious the huge flaws in your argument is not liking any boots, that is just again you trying to use personal attacks when you are unable to defend an terribly bad criticism just because you think an exception should be made in laws when you personally don't want to give importance to the offence. Law and order the same for all, not just those that you personally think should be subjected to it.

Our cops here really have very little to do.

Not difficult to understand based on the law in question.

However anomalies abound.

*Japan’s Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law (also sometimes called the Firearm and Sword Control Law), dictates various criteria as to what distinguishes a sword from practical-use bladed tools, such as cooking knives. Criteria such as length, material, and sharpness are taken into consideration, and while the Sword of Godric Gryffindor does not have sharpened edges, apparently the tip of the blade is sharp enough for it to be judged a sword by the police, and it thus would require a special permit to own.*

I currently own a number of gardening / horticultural tools that certainly are equal in deadliness or even more so.

Extremely sharp with pointed tips, long bladed shears are but one kind. A few seconds to remove the scissor action holding bolt and I have 2 beautiful swords far more resplendent than the Harry P blade. Long handled versions similarly unbolted and I have a pike or spear far more lethal.

In addition, a wickedly curved scythe like tool that would be the envy of any peasant soldier in medieval ages.

No one questioned me ever on my purchases over the years.

Meaning if anyone wanted a deadly cutting weapon of large proportions, you'd be better served going to your local DYI centre than buying a mounted fantasy sword replica.

Much, Much sharper and tons cheaper too.

The other example given that you choose to ignore is also pertinent, fining someone for smoking in a public space (even if this single action will probably not kill anyone) is completely justified for the same reason, there is no point in making an exception just because someone's subjective opinion of this not being importnat.

Yeah, regulating a cosplay sword is exactly like stopping public smoking. Newsflash: one fills the air with cancer-causing toxins, the other collects dust in a Harry Potter fan's closet.

But sure, let's keep giving the government carte blanche to enforce petty nonsense while ignoring actual health crises, like pharmaceutical conglomerates selling drugs with side effects longer than a Daiso receipt. Rules are great when they make sense - this is just plain comedy.

I can imagine that Warner Bros reckoned they were legal, no-one complained. and 351 were sold over the course of one year.

Then for whatever reason, one individual complained to the police, who after much measuring and debate felt forced to act, according to the letter of the law. Often it is the one complaint that triggers the action.

Yeah, regulating a cosplay sword is exactly like stopping public smoking.

Again, regulating a steel sword with a sharp edge that represents a risk for public safety, a risk that is even more immediate and important that public smoking. You are still not rebuking the argument, you are only explaining why you misunderstood the article and like to pretend this is in any way some special case for the law when it is nothing of the sort.

But sure, let's keep giving the government carte blanche to enforce petty nonsense while ignoring actual health crises

Enforce the laws as they are written is one of the most important responsibilities of the government, and as I already asked you: How many people do you think it takes to check this sword for sharpness, write a report and make a phone call. 200? 2000?

Because anybody with common sense would quickly and easily realize nothing else the government does is stopped or delayed for this minuscule action that takes close to zero effort or resources, making your complain absolutely exaggerated beyond any proportion.

Rules are great when they make sense - this is just plain comedy.

Just because you personally could not understand a reasonable law that does not make it wrong, People can explain things to you, not understand it for you.

Anyway, garbage..

That's really stupid, I take Iaido lessons and make no mistake the tip on my iaito, which is a practice katana is just as pointed and sharp as the potter sword? If someone got mad enough they could stab you with the iaito and cause a very serious life threatening injury. Yet thousands of people run around with these on their person to and from lessons riding trains and busses.

Did I have to register it with the police? no.

Did I need permission to buy it? no

all I did was fork out some yen and bang it arrived black cat, and carry it in Public to my lessons in a case which can easily identify as a sword carrying case.

Imagine the irony of the article and what thousands of people in japan do on a daily basis?

It’s possible that Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo didn’t bother to check the Sword of Godric Gryffindor against the Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law standards, figuring that because it’s sold attached to a wooden backing, it would be treated as a piece of hanging wall art.

Yeah so no need for a sharp point

@virusrex, twice you said it has a 'sharp edge' but the article says they are blunt. It was the pointed tip that was the problem.

Enforce the laws as they are written is one of the most important responsibilities of the government, and as I already asked you: How many people do you think it takes to check this sword for sharpness, write a report and make a phone call. 200? 2000?

Well thanks for swooping in with the classic "it’s just a tiny rule" government lackey argument - because, obviously, the government have infinite resources to pursue props while ignoring actual crises like Big Pharma's stranglehold on public health.

Here's some common sense for you: it's not about effort, it’s about principle. When bureaucrats spend more time policing cosplay swords than fixing real issues, it’s not 'minuscule,' it’s laughable.

@virusrex, twice you said it has a 'sharp edge' but the article says they are blunt. It was the pointed tip that was the problem.

Yes, thank you, the tip is the part that makes the sword break the law.

Well thanks for swooping in with the classic "it’s just a tiny rule" government lackey argument -

It is not my fault that you choose to complain and pretend the whole government was somehow stopped and not doing anything else but this, it should be obvious from the very beginning that it requires close to zero effort for this to be dealt with and no reasonable person would even think this could mean any other responsibility of the government is being left aside to do it, that is still only you.

the government have infinite resources to pursue props while ignoring actual crises like Big Pharma's stranglehold on public health.

In comparison with a miriad of other things it is doing yes, this represents next to nothing, as much as one cop fining someone parked in a forbidden zone. It is too bad that you consider so important this "waste" of a few minutes that apparently makes impossible to pursue impossible conspiracies you like to believe, there is no "big pharma strangehold on public health" that needs to be dealt with, only doctors and scientists not listening to antiscientific propaganda groups, which is desirable and positive so the government should keep promoting it.

Here's some common sense for you: it's not about effort, it’s about principle.

Except for you, that expect the government to NOT enforce their rules when your personal opinion is that this should not be done, then principles like equality before the law should be ignored and only what you personally consider appropiate should be done.

It is not my fault that you choose to complain and pretend the whole government was somehow stopped and not doing anything else but this, it should be obvious from the very beginning that it requires close to zero effort for this to be dealt with and no reasonable person would even think this could mean any other responsibility of the government is being left aside to do it, that is still only you.

I am absolutely shocked that you are actually comparing the government wasting time on regulating cosplay swords to a cop writing a parking ticket, as if banning imaginary weapons is some heroic act of governance! Sure, let's pretend this "few minutes" of bureaucratic nonsense doesn’t highlight a larger obsession with micromanaging harmless activities while actual issues that matter are swept under the rug. But feel free to keep clapping for a government that prioritizes controlling wizards over, you know, doing anything useful.

I am absolutely shocked that you are actually comparing the government wasting time on regulating cosplay swords to a cop writing a parking ticket

That is because it is another example that helps seeing how your position is highly irrational and can't be defended, which is why you don't address the arguments nor the examples and instead just repeat your claims without any effort in defending them.

You trying to disregard the principles of the law so exceptions are made when you personally feel it is a waste is not something rational, and it is not an argument to prove it either. Enforcing the law is not micromanaging, it is putting everybody in the same position, something that you are clearly against.

And no, you still think this negligible amount of work somehow made the government ignore everything else, that is not even remotely possible. The same as one cop fining an illegal parking do not interfere with the police acting against countless crimes in the whole country. There is no "prioritizing" just enforcing the law even if you would like arbitrary exceptions according to your personal opinion.

You trying to disregard the principles of the law so exceptions are made when you personally feel it is a waste is not something rational, and it is not an argument to prove it either. Enforcing the law is not micromanaging, it is putting everybody in the same position, something that you are clearly against.

Look, as you seem to be struggling to be following along here, allow me to explain it in simple terms: clearly, not following enforcing the law isn't the issue here - it's the absurd overreach of turning every minor regulation into a crusade while real problems are ignored. Comparing this to a cop handing out parking tickets is simply laughable. Parking enforcement doesn't come with a bloated bureaucracy and endless meddling that kills efficiency and wastes taxpayer money.

Your apparent obsession with 'principles of the law' sounds noble, until you realize it's just a cover for letting government micromanage lives down to the last paperclip. Spare us the sanctimony; some of us would rather think critically than worship at the altar of overregulation.

Look, as you seem to be struggling to be following along here, allow me to explain it in simple terms: clearly, not following enforcing the law isn't the issue here

It is, it is exactly what you are asking the police to do, to stop enforcing a law according to your personal preferences. There is zero overreach from consider illegal the swords since they are of a size that requires them to be made without a possibility to cause harm, as the article clearly explains the swords are pointy enough to represent danger, so they become illegal even if you mistakenly believed them to be safe.

it's the absurd overreach of turning every minor regulation into a crusade while real problems are ignored. 

A few minutes to make a report and a phone call can't be called "a crusade" by any stretch of the word, this is again you exaggerating something minor. And of course it is impossible to believe "real problems" are ignored because of this tiny amount of effort was done.

Your apparent obsession with 'principles of the law' sounds noble

You were the one that say your problem with this was about principles, just to clarify that the principles of the law should be ignored when you feel like it.

Enforcing the law is still not micromanaging or overregulation, one example of enforcing the law (the same as countless others happening every day) can't be described in this way. It is (again) the same as fining a smoker for doing it in a public space, even if the smoker complains about regulating every single smoke being taken it would not make him innocent.

Ah yes, because clearly, the top priority for law enforcement is ensuring pointy props don't run wild in the streets - thank goodness we're safe from the scourge of pretend swords!

The real danger here isn’t a dull-edged piece of metal, it's your blind trust in government overreach to micromanage every aspect of life. You're actually cheering for bureaucrats to waste time on harmless replicas while real issues, like actual crime or health crises, are brushed aside.

This isn’t about safety - it’s about control, wrapped in a sanctimonious bow. Maybe the government should ban sharp takes on freedom too - those might really hurt.

Ah yes, because clearly, the top priority for law enforcement is ensuring pointy props don't run wild in the streets - thank goodness we're safe from the scourge of pretend swords!

The priority is for law enforcement to enforce t to enforce the law, making exceptions just because you disagree is not

The real danger here isn’t a dull-edged piece of metal, it's your blind trust in government overreach to micromanage every aspect of life.

Not at all, you have been completely unable to demonstrate any overreach nor micromanagement from simply enforcing the law, repeating this claim without supporting it with any argument makes it obvious you understand you can't defend this claim, so your exit is to repeat it expecting this to somehow make it more valid. It does not.

If a public space smoker complains that his fine is invalid and that it is all about control it would not be then justified to let him go without it, he could repeat this claim countless times and it would still not make him right, it is the same situation.

Assuming this sword wasn't produced domestically, how did something so obviously in violation of the law allowed to be imported? Someone at customs should have caught this and prevented it ever entering the country.

Once again, Japan finds a way to suck the fun out of everything. Banning a piece of memorabilia? Really? Get a grip. Are they going to ban their samurai swords and other Japanese weaponry sold as souvenirs too?

So one J-copper said it was illegal...Has this been adjudicated by a court of law yet?

Katanas ok though? As long as you practice kendo...

30,000 yen? You can have it. Rather buy some a new snowboard, skis, surfboard or a wetsuit.