In November, officials informed Warner Bros. that the replicas, measuring 86cm (34 inches), were sharp enough to contravene the country's strict weapons laws. Priced at 30,000 yen (approximately $200), over 350 units were sold through the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, which launched in 2023 as the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world.
The recall notice published on the Warner Bros. website cites a "distribution issue in Japan," urging purchasers to contact the company for refunds and logistics. Japan’s stringent laws prohibit carrying knives over 6cm (2 inches), threatening violators with up to two years in prison. Replicas deemed capable of being classified as swords under the Firearms and Swords Control Law must undergo official registration unless they are solely for decorative or training purposes.
Despite Japan's low levels of violence, there have been isolated incidents involving weapons. Notable incidents include a 78-year-old man arrested in Yokohama in 2022 for attacking a neighbor with a samurai sword during a dispute, and a trove of weapons discovered in a Tokyo shrine following a tragic attack in 2017.
As authorities navigate this unusual case, the Harry Potter-themed attraction now faces increased scrutiny regarding the age-old allure of sword replicas.
The recall notice published on the Warner Bros. website cites a "distribution issue in Japan," urging purchasers to contact the company for refunds and logistics. Japan’s stringent laws prohibit carrying knives over 6cm (2 inches), threatening violators with up to two years in prison. Replicas deemed capable of being classified as swords under the Firearms and Swords Control Law must undergo official registration unless they are solely for decorative or training purposes.
Despite Japan's low levels of violence, there have been isolated incidents involving weapons. Notable incidents include a 78-year-old man arrested in Yokohama in 2022 for attacking a neighbor with a samurai sword during a dispute, and a trove of weapons discovered in a Tokyo shrine following a tragic attack in 2017.
As authorities navigate this unusual case, the Harry Potter-themed attraction now faces increased scrutiny regarding the age-old allure of sword replicas.
