No, airsoft guns are illegal in Japan unless modified to meet strict non-lethal criteria. The National Police Agency (NPA) classifies them as “mimic guns,” prohibiting possession without special permits. Recent 2026 amendments under the Sword and Firearms Possession Control Law tighten enforcement, requiring pre-approval for any replica resembling firearms.
Key Regulations for Airsoft Guns in Japan
- Mandatory Modifications: Airsoft guns must have fluorescent orange tips (minimum 1 cm) and barrel plugs rendering them inoperable without removal. Original manufacturers must certify compliance via the NPA’s Firearms and Swords Registry.
- Permit Requirements: Possession demands a Replica Gun Permit (模造銃所持許可), obtainable only by licensed dealers or collectors with documented storage facilities meeting NPA standards.
- Storage & Transport: Guns must be stored in locked safes at registered addresses; transport requires prior notification to local police, with strict penalties for violations, including fines up to ¥500,000 or imprisonment.
Local ordinances in Tokyo and Osaka further restrict public display or use, even in designated fields, unless venues secure Special Use Permits under the Public Safety Ordinance. Violations trigger immediate confiscation and potential criminal charges.