[Steve Bildermann]

[Crispy]

What? I didn't know civilians could own guns of any kind, ever, in Japan.

[Steve Bildermann]

No. Collectors can, dealers can, hunters can, sports shooters can, police can, military can, and certain private security firms can. Same license also covers antique guns fired by certain schools of Japanese martial arts.

As with all things in Japan, it depends.

What? I didn't know civilians could own guns of any kind, ever, in Japan.

However what you say is true *for the UK* Funny huh.

PS to the above. The trick is that *getting* the license is extremely difficult.

[gaijinzilla]

I've been wondering about this topic--gun ownership & permits in Dai Nippon---for a long time now. The reason: several years ago my father passed away & he left me my grandfather's shotgun (family heirloom) Both my father and grandfather were avid hunters, I'm not.. although I know how to shoot it (and keep it nice & shiny ). Said firearm is still at my mom's house as all the people I've talked to over here (prefectural officials, police, city hall people...even the Yakult Lady ) have given the same answer---sucking of air followed by wakarimasen --when queried about Can I bring the #$%"#$% gun over to Japan or not? (Legally that is) Any helpful hints are most welcome. [/u]

[Steve Bildermann]

but I never imagined they'd give *you* a license for one, Steve. Now that's scary!

The emphasis being on the YOU in the last sentence right. And I agree with you, people like me cetainly shouldn't have guns.

However never let it be said Steve isn't willing to go the extra mile for the F***** gaijin community. So with certificate in hand today's mission is to go over the the shiyakusho this afternoon and ask them what I have to do if I did actually want to own a pistol or some such.

Stay tuned....

[gaijinzilla]

No affair with the Yakult Lady ( honest ),but I must admit there is something about a Japanese woman in uniform...IF ONLY the NHK lady wore a uniform.....
Steve Bildermann: god speed on your quest at the shiyakusho

[Steve Bildermann]

[Steve Bildermann]

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20020716p2a00m0fp009002c.html

I have been at home all day guys. Relax

[Steve Bildermann]

[FG Lurker]

[Grumblebum]

With regard to the info about acquiring a pistol or similar in Japan, really interesting info Steve.

Would you mind sharing with us what hoops you had to jump through to get the sword and firearm license you currently have?

[Steve Bildermann]