Replica swords sold as souvenirs at a popular Harry Potter exhibition in Tokyo have been recalled after violating Japan’s strict weapons control laws.
The 86cm stainless steel blade, marketed as an “authentic recreation of Godric Gryffindor’s sword” on the Warner Bros website, was found to have a sharp tip. In November, police informed Warner Bros that possessing such an item without a special license contravenes Japan’s 1958 firearms and sword control law.
Between May 2023 and April 2024, over 350 swords were sold for 30,000 yen (around $200). However, authorities only recently identified the potential illegality. Warner Bros has issued a recall, describing it as a “distribution issue,” and has posted refund notices in both Japanese and English on its website. Listings for the swords on Japanese online marketplaces have since been removed.
In the Harry Potter series, the fictional sword is portrayed as a 1,000-year-old artifact created by Hogwarts founder Godric Gryffindor.
Japan’s stringent weapons regulations help maintain low violent crime rates, with annual shooting incidents rarely reaching double digits. Even ceremonial swords require registration, and breaches of the law are taken seriously. For instance, a TV reporter once received a police caution for holding a gun without a license during a hunting segment. In July 2023, a 78-year-old man in Yokohama was arrested for attacking a neighbor with a ceremonial samurai sword during a dispute over noise.
The Harry Potter exhibition, which opened in 2023 on the former site of the Toshimaen amusement park, features iconic sets like the Ministry of Magic and is touted as the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction globally.
The incident highlights the challenges international franchises face in adapting products to comply with local laws. While the replica sword was likely intended as a collector’s item for fans, its sharpness raised concerns under Japan’s strict legal framework for bladed objects. The recall serves as a reminder of the stringent safety standards upheld in Japan, where public safety takes precedence over commercial interests.
Despite this setback, the Harry Potter exhibition in Tokyo continues to draw large crowds. Its immersive attractions, including life-sized recreations of film sets, magical props, and interactive experiences, have made it a must-visit destination for fans of the wizarding world. The event’s organizers are now taking steps to ensure compliance with local regulations to avoid similar issues in the future.
For collectors who purchased the recalled sword, the incident has sparked debate. Some fans may view the recall as an inconvenience, while others see it as a rare moment when a fictional artifact collided with real-world regulations. Meanwhile, the incident has drawn attention to Japan’s meticulous approach to weapon control, reaffirming the country’s commitment to minimizing risks and maintaining public order.
Warner Bros has yet to comment on how the recall might impact its other merchandise offerings or whether adjustments will be made to product designs in future exhibitions. However, this incident underlines the importance of understanding and respecting the legal and cultural contexts of the markets where such events are hosted.
