Sapporo man arrested for possession of 33 handguns; says he bought them for fun

*... illegally possessing 33 handguns and imitation handguns at his home.*

I didn't realize replicas were illegal, as I have seen them advertised here. Airsoft that look like real handguns, as well.

It’s all fun until you shoot somebody’s eye out.

Good for the Sapporo Police and the cyber patrol in arresting this man.

Japan is pretty safe in terms of gun crime - and definitely does not want to go down the route of America with easy access to guns, and murders connected to them.

Make an example of him. Hit him with the max number of years in jail stated by the law. Don't let this country turn into another murica.

Police cyber patrol unit?

Kuronuma kept them in his garage along with more than 100 other guns and hunting rifles. 

Are those other guns legal? It sounds a little strange.

A couple of years ago they banned crossbows too. Not sure about slingshots, but anything that flings or fires a projectile is likely to bring the constabulary.

Out of curiosity I looked up "drive by shooting" -- which I don't think has ever occurred (yet) in this country. Here's how to say it in Japanese.

I was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting.

私は車からの発砲で集中攻撃に巻き込まれた

(Watashi wa kuruma kara no happo de shuchu kogeki ni maki komareta)

@garypen

I didn't realize replicas were illegal, as I have seen them advertised here.

It just for good PR for people who caught him, the actual one only 5, while 28 are imitations. If they really fair they'll just show only 5 but add that with 28, it really makes them as if they solve big cases. Which they actually show during press conference.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240902/k10014569351000.html

Thanks Sakurasuki.

That's a nice little collection he's got going there. Needs proper licensing and security to fully enjoy it though.

Would be interesting to know how he got his hands on real handguns.

Found them in conbini toilets, perhaps?

Most people here,for example hunters ,have utmost respect for firearms or any lethal weapons,so I wouldn't get too worried.

It's impossible to have a handgun license in Japan.

It's a good job done by the police cyber patrol unit - I guess they're scanning the internet for unusual purchases, and this guy's ip details popped up. The cops will certainly keep their security searching details and methods to themselves.

Whilst so many guns may not have been used in any circumstances by this collector, if someone found out about his stash and needed a weapon for nefarious purposes, then it would have been a very different story.

A guy who used to run a military surplus store near me was jailed a few years back. Selling uniforms is one thing, but he was going into the Mt. Fuji training grounds, picking up unspent rounds and grenades and selling them over the internet.

He even sent a live grenade through the post. What a mad lad.

It's a good job done by the police cyber patrol unit - I guess they're scanning the internet for unusual purchases, and this guy's ip details popped up.

Yeah it's all good until your IP pops up for whatever reason.

Well, at least he didnt have any ammo. I've seen articles here about middle-aged men with much less healthy hobbies.

I'll bet he doesnt go to jail, but has them all confiscated and pay a fine. Along with telling the police how he actually purchased them and the route they came into Japan as a part of the deal.

The word “replica” is a misnomer, as it often refers to guns that have been disabled by filling the barrel with lead, boring a hole on the chamber, and removing the firing pin.

Which of course can all be easily undone.

Such guns are a grey zone in Japan’s gun control laws, and are mostly owned by museums and legitimate collectors.

This guy sounds like he had some shady connections to even be able to smuggle a live firearm into Japan, and I suspect he is a middleman for a certain type of demographic.

Wow, I thought it is almost impossible to import guns into Japan!?? guess I was wrong.

Wow, I thought it is almost impossible to import guns into Japan!?? guess I was wrong.

No, you were right.

I'm not sure how someone breaking the law would make you think you didn't understand the law.

I too have occasionally seen illegal handguns over many years living in Japan, and once even observed someone throwing two into the river. But.

"The exception proves the rule." They are very rare.

Maybe he really did collect them for fun, but that will simply be noted as his given reason for breaking the law.

It's really interesting when people stop counting at this number though there were hundreds of other guns

The only maker in Belgium is FN which are military-grade guns

nandakandamanda

Police cyber patrol unit?

Sounds like a 1980's anime series.

I didn't realize replicas were illegal, as I have seen them advertised here. Airsoft that look like real handguns, as well.

Although it's possible they're counting legally allowed airsoft replicas among the illegal items, the term replica also applies to .177 and .22 rifled barrel air pistols (CO2 pellet pistols). Those types of air pistols are heavily restricted i Japan, and only 500 licenses are issued at any one time for them. If you're not one of the 500 permit holders then they are illegal. In order to get a permit, you need a suitably high target shooting score with standing air rifle, and then you need to re-apply for your pistol license each year by achieving a specific target shooting score.

On the other hand, the only restriction for the airsoft replicas you mentioned are that you are over 18 years old and they are below the required power rating.