Introduction
Japan’s gun control laws simply state, “No one shall possess a firearm or firearms or a sword or swords” (Library of Congress). Having such strong laws that restrict Japanese civilians to own guns or swords which have been an important part of Japanese tradition is quite strict. The choice has been made considering the history of Japan, which rejected the use of guns and limited it to the noble families only. Also, in the Japanese history there is no particular cultural foundation for using guns. The current policy helps Japan them to limit the number of crimes related to handguns and the strict gun control laws has its advantages.
Reaction
In my opinion, not allowing their people to purchase and use guns, is a brave measure for Japan as they have realized that guns in the hands of civilians can only mean disaster. It seems like, they have learned from the violent past and they want to restrict any mistake they made in the past. The gun laws are working wonders for them as the murder rate in the country is only 0.9 per 100,000, which is miles better than Germany, Britain, France, and the United States of America. The laws are also helping them to deter crime as without handguns in the hands of civilians, crime numbers are significantly low in the country.
Japanese gun laws seem enviable, especially for many people this side of the Pacific who are suffering from several incidents and shootings. The Japanese government is doing their best to ensure their citizens find it practically impossible to acquire guns. In case they do manage to acquire guns, the fines are very high that deters many people to even think about illegal gun purchase. To purchase firearms, Japanese people need to take a license and without license purchase is illegal. Japan is making sure that every time they catch someone with guns, they are imprisoned or fined. Making gun control illegal in the country creates a healthy society in the country, and ensures that Japanese people live in a peaceful environment where they feel secure.
Another important thing to notice is the necessity of safe storage as ammunitions need to be stored separately and Japanese people are not even allowed to keep guns in their home. Unlawful storage is also considered a mistake and Japanese people need to pay fines for even unsafe storage. The only way people can acquire guns is for athletic competition and research. These types of restrictions on guns and firearms are a proof of the level of seriousness shown by the Japanese government to control crime in their country. Overall, Japanese gun laws seem to provide the inevitable solution to countries all over the world troubled by increasing gun violence. It is the most effective and sustainable way to ensure crime is reduced in the country and belligerents are punished.
Conclusion
Looking back at the Japanese gun laws, they basically ensure that no civilians can carry guns or swords. The rule makes sense as all over the world, countries are struggling within increasing gun violence that threatens peace in different nations. The Japanese government is making sure that Japanese people are unable to acquire guns and those who illegally acquire them are punished through jail terms and heavy fines. These restrictions on guns, firearms and ammunition are a means to ensure the country does not face situations of mass gun violence that are witnessed in other countries.
Work Cited
Library of Congress. Firearms-Control Legislation and Policy: Japan. LOC. Loc.gov. 30 July 2015. Web. 18 April 2016.
