Japan Recalls Harry Potter Sword Replicas for Violating Weapons Laws

The full-sized replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword, sold by Warner Bros. Studio Japan, have been recalled for violating Japan's stringent weapons regulations after being found sharp enough to require registration.

Replicas of a sword from the beloved Harry Potter series have encountered a serious issue in Japan, leading to a nationwide recall due to their violation of the country's stringent weapons laws. The full-sized replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword—measuring 86cm (34 inches) and mounted on a wooden display plaque—were available for purchase through Warner Bros. Studio Japan from May 2023 to late April of this year.

It was not until November that authorities alerted Warner Bros. that the swords were sharp enough to be considered actual weapons. Reports indicate that over 350 of these replicas, priced at 30,000 yen (approximately $200; £158), were sold at the newly opened Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter, the first studio tour of its kind in Asia and the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction globally.

In response to the compliance issue, Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC has issued a recall notice on its website, requesting customers who purchased the product to contact them for further action, including logistics and refunds. The company has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding this matter.

Japan has notoriously strict weapons laws; carrying knives longer than 6cm (2 inches) is prohibited, with offenders risking up to two years in prison. Replicas classified as swords under the Firearms and Swords Control law must be registered unless they are intended for decoration or training and are not sharpened.

Despite Japan's low levels of violent crime, weapon-related incidents occur, underscoring the importance of adhering to the nation's laws. Last year, for example, a man was arrested in Yokohama for an attack involving a ceremonial samurai sword. In 2017, a samurai sword was uncovered at a Tokyo shrine following a tragic incident that resulted in three fatalities.