No, stun guns are illegal in Japan under the Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law, with possession punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. The 2026 amendment to the Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance on Public Safety further criminalizes their import, manufacture, or distribution, aligning with national enforcement priorities. Local police departments, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, actively monitor compliance under directives from the National Police Agency.
Key Regulations for Stun Guns in Japan
- Prohibition under Firearms Law: Stun guns are classified as “other dangerous weapons” under Article 2 of the Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law, requiring no intent to harm for criminal liability.
- Strict Import Controls: The Customs Act (Article 69-12) empowers the Ministry of Finance to seize stun guns at ports of entry, with importers facing mandatory prosecution.
- Local Enforcement Measures: Prefectural ordinances, such as Osaka’s Public Safety Ordinance, authorize police to conduct random inspections of suspicious packages, including those from overseas suppliers.
Violations trigger immediate detention under the Code of Criminal Procedure, with prosecutors prioritizing cases involving non-compliance with the 2026 Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance. Exceptions exist solely for law enforcement and licensed security personnel under the Private Security Business Act.