Harry Potter Sword Replicas Recalled in Japan for Violating Weapon Laws

Japan's strict weapon regulations lead to a recall of Harry Potter sword replicas, requiring compliance and refunds.

Replica swords inspired by the Harry Potter franchise have been recalled in Japan after being deemed illegal under the country's stringent weaponry laws. The full-scale replicas of the iconic Godric Gryffindor's sword, measuring 86cm (34 inches) and mounted on a wooden display, were sold by Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC from May 2023 through late April 2024. Authorities informed the company in November that these replicas were sharp enough to be classified as actual swords.

Over 350 units of the Godric Gryffindor sword were sold at a price of 30,000 yen (approximately $200 or £158) during the operation of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter, which opened earlier in 2023. This tour is notable as Asia's first of its kind and is recognized as the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction globally.

In response to the issue, Warner Bros. Studios Japan LLC issued a recall notice through its website, citing a "distribution issue in Japan." They encouraged customers who purchased these swords to reach out for "necessary action including logistics and refund". As of the article's publication, the company had yet to respond to inquiries from the BBC.

Japan's weapon laws are among the strictest in the world, where carrying knives longer than 6cm (2 inches) is prohibited, and violators can face up to two years in prison. Replicas that qualify as swords under the Firearms and Swords Control Law must be registered, unless designed for training or decorative purposes where they cannot be sharpened. While Japan boasts low levels of violent crime, incidents involving weapons do arise from time to time. Notably, a 78-year-old man was apprehended in Yokohama last year for attacking a neighbor with a ceremonial samurai sword during a disagreement.