Can You Carry A Sword In Japan?

3 years ago by Jacob Harris • 5 min read

Japan is known as being one of the safest countries in the world. This is due to strict weapon control, and heavy police presence. Historically, the Japanese government has always had strict control of weapons that could be used to harm people or the government.

Known as the Haitorei Edict, during the Meiji Period and Restoration (1868-1912), the social class of samurai was abolished, banning non-government officials from carrying swords. A Sword Hunt followed leading to the confiscation of all weapons and swords in Japan by the government.

However, Japan has had an extensive record of rulers attempting to seize weapons from the people, dating back to the start of the Sengoku Period (1467-1600).