Revised Japanese law cuts down on knives

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A revised Japanese law, which went into effect Jan. 5, prohibits the possession of double-edge knives with blades that exceed 5.5 centimeters or 2.16 inches. Although servicemembers may possess such blades on a U.S. installation, they should not take them when exiting the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jeff M. Nagan)

Revised Japanese law cuts down on knives

Published Jan. 22, 2009
By Master Sgt. Allison Day
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A revised knife law, which was passed by the Government of Japan last year and went into effect Jan. 5, will affect servicemembers stationed throughout Japan.

"The revised law bans daggers and double-edged knives whose blades exceed 5.5 centimeters or 2.16 inches," said Master Sgt. Donald E. Preston, media liaison chief, Headquarters U.S. Forces Japan. "All spears and swords with blades exceeding 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) are also banned."

The new revision in the law is in response to a series of crimes that took place last year throughout the country, including a mass stabbing attack in the Akihabara area of Tokyo killing seven.

"Many of the knives carried by service members may be authorized on installations, but should not be taken off base," said Joseph Tenis, deputy provost marshal for USFJ. "If a person is found to be carrying illegal knives off base, they will be taken into custody by the Japanese police for violation of the Firearms and Swords Control Law or other Japanese laws."

Fishing and diving are valid reasons for carrying a knife off base.

"If stopped and requested to be searched by Japanese police, explaining the pocket or other knife is for personal protection or just handy to have are not valid reasons for carrying the knives and will likely result in the individual being taken into custody," said Mr. Tenis. "Just leave all knives at home to avoid the risk."