No. Open carry of firearms is strictly prohibited in Japan under the Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law (銃刀法), enforced by the National Police Agency (NPA). Only licensed hunters, sports shooters, and security personnel with special permits may possess firearms, and even then, transport must be unloaded and locked. Violations carry severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Japan
- Prohibition on Public Display: Carrying firearms openly in public spaces, including streets or vehicles, is illegal under Article 3 of the Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law. Even licensed individuals must transport firearms in locked cases, separate from ammunition.
- Strict Licensing Framework: The NPA mandates rigorous background checks, mental health evaluations, and annual inspections for firearm ownership. Open carry licenses do not exist; permits are issued only for concealed transport under extraordinary circumstances (e.g., armed security details).
- Local Enforcement Variations: Prefectural police departments (e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Police) impose additional restrictions, such as mandatory reporting of firearm movements. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter digital tracking of licensed firearms to curb illegal possession.
Non-compliance risks immediate confiscation, fines up to ¥500,000, and imprisonment for up to 15 years. Japan’s near-zero tolerance for open carry reflects its post-WWII pacifist constitution and stringent public safety policies.