The full-sized replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword, which hails from the Harry Potter series, have been pulled from shelves in Japan due to their violation of the country's strict weapons laws. The swords, measuring 86 cm (34 inches) and mounted on wooden display plaques, were marketed by Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC from May 2023 until late April this year.
Authorities alerted the company in November that these replicas were deemed sharp enough to be categorized as real swords. During its sales period, around 350 of these items were purchased, each priced at approximately 30,000 yen ($200; £158). These magical swords were a feature of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, which opened in 2023 and is hailed as the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world.
In light of the issue, Warner Bros. Japan has published a recall notice, urging buyers to contact the company for necessary actions, including logistics and refunds. The company has yet to respond to reports requesting further commentary.
Japan's stringent regulations dictate that carrying knives longer than 6 cm (2 inches) is illegal, with offenders facing possible imprisonment of up to two years. Swords sharp enough to qualify under the Firearms and Swords Control Law must be registered unless they're designated for training or purely decorative purposes. Despite Japan's low levels of violence, incidents involving weapons, like the 78-year-old man arrested in Yokohama last year for using a samurai sword in a dispute, highlight the importance of such regulations.
Authorities alerted the company in November that these replicas were deemed sharp enough to be categorized as real swords. During its sales period, around 350 of these items were purchased, each priced at approximately 30,000 yen ($200; £158). These magical swords were a feature of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, which opened in 2023 and is hailed as the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world.
In light of the issue, Warner Bros. Japan has published a recall notice, urging buyers to contact the company for necessary actions, including logistics and refunds. The company has yet to respond to reports requesting further commentary.
Japan's stringent regulations dictate that carrying knives longer than 6 cm (2 inches) is illegal, with offenders facing possible imprisonment of up to two years. Swords sharp enough to qualify under the Firearms and Swords Control Law must be registered unless they're designated for training or purely decorative purposes. Despite Japan's low levels of violence, incidents involving weapons, like the 78-year-old man arrested in Yokohama last year for using a samurai sword in a dispute, highlight the importance of such regulations.
