Harry Potter Replica Swords Recalled in Japan for Weapons Law Violation

Over 350 replica swords, sold as part of the Harry Potter attraction in Tokyo, have been recalled after authorities classified them as actual swords due to their sharpness. Warner Bros. stated they are taking necessary steps for resolution and refunds.

Replicas of Godric Gryffindor's sword from the Harry Potter film series have been pulled from shelves in Japan after authorities determined they violated the country's stringent weapons laws. The replicas, measuring 86cm (34 inches) and displayed on wooden plaques, were sold by Warner Bros. Studio Japan LLC from May 2023 until late April of this year. However, it was only in November that officials informed the company that the replicas were sharp enough to be categorized as actual swords.

Reports indicate that over 350 swords were sold to eager fans for approximately 30,000 yen ($200; £158) each, primarily at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter, which debuted in 2023 and is the largest Harry Potter-themed indoor attraction in Asia.

In light of the new classification, Warner Bros. Japan has issued a recall notice on its site, citing "a distribution issue in Japan" and requesting that customers contact them for "necessary action including logistics and refund." The company has not yet replied to inquiries from the BBC.

Under Japan's strict regulations, carrying knives longer than 6cm (2 inches) is prohibited, with offenders facing up to two years imprisonment. Additionally, any replicas that qualify as swords under the Firearms and Swords Control Law must be registered unless they are specifically designed for training or decorative purposes and are incapable of being sharpened.

Japan is known for its low crime rates, with firearm and weapon-related incidents being quite rare. Nevertheless, there have been occasional violent crimes involving weapons. A notable case occurred last year when a 78-year-old man was apprehended in Yokohama after allegedly attacking a neighbor with a ceremonial samurai sword. In a separate incident in 2017, a samurai sword was discovered among other knives in a Tokyo shrine following a deadly attack that left three individuals dead.