In a surprising twist for Harry Potter fans, Japan has recalled replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword due to a violation of strict weapons laws. These full-sized collectibles, measuring 86 cm (34 inches), were sold by Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC from May 2023 until late April of this year. However, it wasn't until November that Japanese authorities flagged the replicas, stating they were sharp enough to be actual swords.
More than 350 replicas, priced at 30,000 yen (approximately $200), were marketed at the newly opened Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter, which is the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world.
As per Japan's stringent laws, carrying knives longer than 6 cm (2 inches) is prohibited, and offenders could face penalties of up to two years in prison. Additionally, any sharp replicas classified as swords must be registered unless they're unsharpened and meant for decoration or training.
Warner Bros. has issued a recall notice on its website due to "a distribution issue in Japan," prompting those who purchased items to seek refunds. The company has not made an immediate public comment about the situation. Japan prides itself on low levels of violence, but weapon-related crimes do occasionally make headlines, underscoring the importance of compliance with local laws.
