Number of gun shooting incidents Japan 2013-2022
In 2022, nine cases of incidents involving the discharge of firearms were reported in Japan. Although figures fluctuated from year to year, this continued a general downward trend after the decade-high number of 40 gun shooting incidents reported in 2013. Four people died from gun shooting incidents that year.
As of 2020, about 191.9 thousand guns were owned with licenses among citizens across the country. The number of confiscated weapons in 2020 amounted to 355pistols, 12 hunting guns, and 40 air guns.
Gun control
Gun possession for general citizens in Japan is strictly regulated under the Act for Controlling the Possession of Firearms or Swords and Other Such Weapons enacted in 1958. According to the act, gun possession is only allowed for hunting and shooting sports purposes. The only firearms permitted for ownership are hunting rifles, shotguns, other hunting guns, and air guns. It is required to undergo numerous procedures to obtain a gun permit, such as providing a resume and a medical certificate from a psychiatrist, attending classroom lectures and technical training, and passing exams. Applicants must repeat similar procedures every three years to renew the permit.As of 2020, about 191.9 thousand guns were owned with licenses among citizens across the country. The number of confiscated weapons in 2020 amounted to 355pistols, 12 hunting guns, and 40 air guns.
