Shinzo Abe: A look at Japan's stringent gun laws
India Today
Civilians cannot buy a handgun or a rifle as only air guns are allowed, that too for a specific purpose. Other than the police and military, nobody can keep arms.
As the report of Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, being shot at sent shock waves across the world, questions are bound to be raised about the gun laws in one of the most developed nations. However, Japan has the most stringent gun laws.
Abe was shot on Friday while campaigning for a parliamentary election, with public broadcaster NHK saying a man armed with an apparently homemade gun opened fire at him from behind.
Civilians cannot buy a handgun or a rifle as only air guns are allowed, that too for a specific purpose. Other than the police and military, nobody can keep arms.
In order to buy a gun, any individual must achieve 95 per cent accuracy in a shooting test. That person also needs to clear a written test and go through a mental health assessment at a hospital.
Only after all clearances can a gun license be given.
Strict background checks are done before a civilian is allowed to possess a weapon. This includes speaking to family, friends and relatives of the applicant.
The licence to possess a weapon is valid only for three years. After the demise of a gun owner, the arm needs to be surrendered.
