Replicas of the iconic sword of Godric Gryffindor, featured in the Harry Potter film franchise, have been recalled in Japan after authorities determined they violated the country’s stringent weapons laws.

Sharp enough to be a weapon

The full-sized replicas, measuring 86 centimetres (34 inches) and mounted on wooden display plaques, were sold by Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC between May 2023 and late April 2024. However, it wasn’t until November that Japanese authorities notified the company that the replicas were sharp enough to be classified as actual swords under the country’s Firearms and Swords Control Law.

According to reports, over 350 of the replicas were sold, each priced at 30,000 yen (approximately USD 200).

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The swords were available at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter, a major attraction that opened in 2023 and is celebrated as Asia’s first Harry Potter studio tour and the largest indoor Harry Potter-themed experience in the world.

In response to the ruling, Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC issued a recall notice on its website, citing “a distribution issue in Japan.” The company has requested customers who purchased the sword to contact them for “necessary action, including logistics and refunds.”

While Warner Bros. has not responded to media inquiries, the recall highlights the complexities of navigating Japan’s strict weapons regulations.

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Under Japanese law, knives exceeding 6 centimeters (2 inches) in length are prohibited from being carried, and swords sharp enough to function as weapons must be registered unless explicitly designed for training or ornamental purposes.

Japan’s stringent weapons laws

Japan is known for its low crime rates, but its tight restrictions on weapons are a cornerstone of maintaining public safety. Violations of the Firearms and Swords Control Law can lead to severe penalties, including up to two years in prison.

Despite these regulations, isolated incidents involving weapons occasionally occur. In 2022, a 78-year-old man in Yokohama attacked a neighbor with a ceremonial samurai sword during a dispute.

Similarly, in 2017, a samurai sword was discovered alongside other weapons at a Tokyo shrine following an attack that claimed three lives.

Cultural and legal considerations

The incident underscores the balance between cultural appreciation and legal compliance in Japan. While replicas of weapons often appeal to collectors and fans of popular franchises, they must adhere to local laws to prevent potential misuse. The recall of Gryffindor’s sword serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with Japan’s strict weapons laws, even in the realm of fantasy memorabilia.