**Over 350 units sold raised concerns in Japan, where weapons laws are stringent, leading to recalls and refund notices.**
**Japan Recalls Harry Potter Sword Replicas for Violating Weapons Law**
**Japan Recalls Harry Potter Sword Replicas for Violating Weapons Law**
**Warner Bros. recalls sharp replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword due to Japan's strict regulations**
In a recent development, Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC has announced the recall of full-sized replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword from the Harry Potter series after they were found to violate Japan's stringent weapons laws. The replicas, measuring 86cm (34 inches) and mounted on wooden display plaques, were available for purchase at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, which opened in May 2023.
Despite their sale from May 2023 to late April 2024, it was only in November that authorities informed the studio that the swords were deemed sharp enough to qualify as actual swords under Japanese law. The company sold more than 350 of these replicas for approximately 30,000 yen ($200; £158) each before halting their sale following the warning from law enforcement.
In response to the issue, Warner Bros. has issued a recall notice on its website and is urging buyers to contact them regarding potential refunds and logistics for returning the swords. However, there has been no immediate comment from the studio regarding the situation.
Japan's strict weapons legislation prohibits the carrying of knives longer than 6cm (2 inches) and necessitates that sharp replicas classified as swords be registered with authorities, unless intended solely for training or decorative purposes that do not permit them to be sharpened.
Japan is known for its low levels of violence, yet isolated incidents involving weapons have occurred. For instance, in 2022, a 78-year-old man was arrested for attacking a neighbor with a ceremonial samurai sword, while in 2017 a samurai sword was discovered at a Tokyo shrine following a violent attack that resulted in three fatalities. Warner Bros.' experience highlights the importance of compliance with local regulations within the context of international merchandise sales.
Despite their sale from May 2023 to late April 2024, it was only in November that authorities informed the studio that the swords were deemed sharp enough to qualify as actual swords under Japanese law. The company sold more than 350 of these replicas for approximately 30,000 yen ($200; £158) each before halting their sale following the warning from law enforcement.
In response to the issue, Warner Bros. has issued a recall notice on its website and is urging buyers to contact them regarding potential refunds and logistics for returning the swords. However, there has been no immediate comment from the studio regarding the situation.
Japan's strict weapons legislation prohibits the carrying of knives longer than 6cm (2 inches) and necessitates that sharp replicas classified as swords be registered with authorities, unless intended solely for training or decorative purposes that do not permit them to be sharpened.
Japan is known for its low levels of violence, yet isolated incidents involving weapons have occurred. For instance, in 2022, a 78-year-old man was arrested for attacking a neighbor with a ceremonial samurai sword, while in 2017 a samurai sword was discovered at a Tokyo shrine following a violent attack that resulted in three fatalities. Warner Bros.' experience highlights the importance of compliance with local regulations within the context of international merchandise sales.
