Why swords inspired by the 'Harry Potter' films are banned in Japan

Replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword violate the country's strict weapons regulations. They are now prohibited for sale.

A sword inspired by the films Harry Potter has been withdrawn from sale and banned in Japan, reports the BBC. According to the British media, these fake weapons violate the country's very strict weapons regulations.

Replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword at real size (86 cm) were sold between May 2023 and April 2024 in the Harry Potter Studios store in Tokyo, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the famous license.

But last November, authorities reported to Warner Bros., which holds the license Harry Potterthat these swords were sharp enough to be considered real swords.

Refund

More than 350 fake swords have been sold since the studio opened in 2023. Warner Bros. released an announcement to alert people who purchased the sword to receive a refund.

In Japan, any knife with a blade longer than 6 cm is considered a weapon. Without a special permit, anyone possessing such a knife can be sentenced to two years in prison.

Weapons used as part of training or as decoration are tolerated – and which cannot be sharpened. Crime levels are low in Japan, although stabbing crimes occur from time to time.

Last year, a 78-year-old man was arrested in Yokohama after attacking his neighbor with a katana following an argument.