LAWS CONTROLLING FIREARMS IN JAPAN

In Japan, the question of gun control is governed by the 
Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms and Swords (37 Articles) 1/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (7 Articles) 2/, the Enforcement 
Regulations of the Prime Minister's Office (20 Articles) 3/, and the 
Registration Regulation of the Cultural Properties Protection Commission 
(9 Articles) 4/. These laws and regulations, which are concerned mainly 
with the possession of a gun, are subject to police control. 
The manufacture, sale, and transfer of firearms, however, are
regulated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry under the 
Law Concerning the Manufacture of Firearms 5/, Cabinet Order No. 198 6/, 
and the Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry 
No. 43 7/. The bullet or cartridge and the blank cartridge are also 
subject to the control of the same Minister, but under a different set 
of legislation, such as the Explosive Control Law (61 Articles) 8/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (8 Articles) 9/, and the Enforcement 
Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (101
Articles) 10/. In addition, the Order Concerning Transportation of 
Explosives issued by the Prime Minster's Office (37 Articles) 11/ 
is in force. 
This dual control by police (possession) and the Ministry 
if International Trade and Industry (sale, transfer, cartridge, etc.) 
results in the inefficient administration of gun control legislation, 
and this group of laws has been a target of constant criticism by those LAWS CONTROLLING FIREARMS IN JAPAN

In Japan, the question of gun control is governed by the 
Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms and Swords (37 Articles) 1/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (7 Articles) 2/, the Enforcement 
Regulations of the Prime Minister's Office (20 Articles) 3/, and the 
Registration Regulation of the Cultural Properties Protection Commission 
(9 Articles) 4/. These laws and regulations, which are concerned mainly 
with the possession of a gun, are subject to police control. 
The manufacture, sale, and transfer of firearms, however, are
regulated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry under the 
Law Concerning the Manufacture of Firearms 5/, Cabinet Order No. 198 6/, 
and the Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry 
No. 43 7/. The bullet or cartridge and the blank cartridge are also 
subject to the control of the same Minister, but under a different set 
of legislation, such as the Explosive Control Law (61 Articles) 8/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (8 Articles) 9/, and the Enforcement 
Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (101
Articles) 10/. In addition, the Order Concerning Transportation of 
Explosives issued by the Prime Minster's Office (37 Articles) 11/ 
is in force. 
This dual control by police (possession) and the Ministry 
if International Trade and Industry (sale, transfer, cartridge, etc.) 
results in the inefficient administration of gun control legislation, 
and this group of laws has been a target of constant criticism by those LAWS CONTROLLING FIREARMS IN JAPAN

In Japan, the question of gun control is governed by the 
Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms and Swords (37 Articles) 1/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (7 Articles) 2/, the Enforcement 
Regulations of the Prime Minister's Office (20 Articles) 3/, and the 
Registration Regulation of the Cultural Properties Protection Commission 
(9 Articles) 4/. These laws and regulations, which are concerned mainly 
with the possession of a gun, are subject to police control. 
The manufacture, sale, and transfer of firearms, however, are
regulated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry under the 
Law Concerning the Manufacture of Firearms 5/, Cabinet Order No. 198 6/, 
and the Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry 
No. 43 7/. The bullet or cartridge and the blank cartridge are also 
subject to the control of the same Minister, but under a different set 
of legislation, such as the Explosive Control Law (61 Articles) 8/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (8 Articles) 9/, and the Enforcement 
Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (101
Articles) 10/. In addition, the Order Concerning Transportation of 
Explosives issued by the Prime Minster's Office (37 Articles) 11/ 
is in force. 
This dual control by police (possession) and the Ministry 
if International Trade and Industry (sale, transfer, cartridge, etc.) 
results in the inefficient administration of gun control legislation, 
and this group of laws has been a target of constant criticism by those LAWS CONTROLLING FIREARMS IN JAPAN

In Japan, the question of gun control is governed by the 
Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms and Swords (37 Articles) 1/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (7 Articles) 2/, the Enforcement 
Regulations of the Prime Minister's Office (20 Articles) 3/, and the 
Registration Regulation of the Cultural Properties Protection Commission 
(9 Articles) 4/. These laws and regulations, which are concerned mainly 
with the possession of a gun, are subject to police control. 
The manufacture, sale, and transfer of firearms, however, are
regulated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry under the 
Law Concerning the Manufacture of Firearms 5/, Cabinet Order No. 198 6/, 
and the Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry 
No. 43 7/. The bullet or cartridge and the blank cartridge are also 
subject to the control of the same Minister, but under a different set 
of legislation, such as the Explosive Control Law (61 Articles) 8/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (8 Articles) 9/, and the Enforcement 
Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (101
Articles) 10/. In addition, the Order Concerning Transportation of 
Explosives issued by the Prime Minster's Office (37 Articles) 11/ 
is in force. 
This dual control by police (possession) and the Ministry 
if International Trade and Industry (sale, transfer, cartridge, etc.) 
results in the inefficient administration of gun control legislation, 
and this group of laws has been a target of constant criticism by those LAWS CONTROLLING FIREARMS IN JAPAN

In Japan, the question of gun control is governed by the 
Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms and Swords (37 Articles) 1/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (7 Articles) 2/, the Enforcement 
Regulations of the Prime Minister's Office (20 Articles) 3/, and the 
Registration Regulation of the Cultural Properties Protection Commission 
(9 Articles) 4/. These laws and regulations, which are concerned mainly 
with the possession of a gun, are subject to police control. 
The manufacture, sale, and transfer of firearms, however, are
regulated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry under the 
Law Concerning the Manufacture of Firearms 5/, Cabinet Order No. 198 6/, 
and the Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry 
No. 43 7/. The bullet or cartridge and the blank cartridge are also 
subject to the control of the same Minister, but under a different set 
of legislation, such as the Explosive Control Law (61 Articles) 8/,
the Enforcement Order of the Cabinet (8 Articles) 9/, and the Enforcement 
Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (101
Articles) 10/. In addition, the Order Concerning Transportation of 
Explosives issued by the Prime Minster's Office (37 Articles) 11/ 
is in force. 
This dual control by police (possession) and the Ministry 
if International Trade and Industry (sale, transfer, cartridge, etc.) 
results in the inefficient administration of gun control legislation, 
and this group of laws has been a target of constant criticism by those -2-

who advocate the enactment of uniform gun control legislation under 
the exclusive control of the police. These people argued that the 
possession of firearms, which is the most important aspect of the 
gun control, is so closely connected with the problems of import, sale, 
and transfer of guns that the uniform administration of a law which 
covers both aspects of firearms control is urgently needed 12/. They 
also suggested that the category of swords should be governed separately. 
Consequently, in 1965, the 1958 Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms 
and Swords was drastically amended; however, this amendment did
not constitute an attempt to enact a uniform law. 

Government statistics revealed that the number of crimes 
committed through the unauthorized use of firearms (pistol and shotgun) 
has been greatly increased, as the following figures indicate: in 
1960, 70 cases involving the illegal use of pistols and 61 cases involving 
shotguns were increased in 1963 to 89 and 90 respectively. Out of the 
above 179 criminal acts committed in 1963, only 45 involved the authorized 
use of firearms, the majority of crimes being committed by unauthorized 
users of firearms 13/. These facts gave impetus to the argument for a 
drastic revision of the 1958 law which would strengthen the methods of 
control of unauthorized possession of firearms. 

Most of the law breakers are affiliated with the organized 
crime syndicates. The confiscation of the weapons used by these crime 
syndicates clearly indicates that the number of guns owned by unauthorized-2-

who advocate the enactment of uniform gun control legislation under 
the exclusive control of the police. These people argued that the 
possession of firearms, which is the most important aspect of the 
gun control, is so closely connected with the problems of import, sale, 
and transfer of guns that the uniform administration of a law which 
covers both aspects of firearms control is urgently needed 12/. They 
also suggested that the category of swords should be governed separately. 
Consequently, in 1965, the 1958 Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms 
and Swords was drastically amended; however, this amendment did
not constitute an attempt to enact a uniform law. 

Government statistics revealed that the number of crimes 
committed through the unauthorized use of firearms (pistol and shotgun) 
has been greatly increased, as the following figures indicate: in 
1960, 70 cases involving the illegal use of pistols and 61 cases involving 
shotguns were increased in 1963 to 89 and 90 respectively. Out of the 
above 179 criminal acts committed in 1963, only 45 involved the authorized 
use of firearms, the majority of crimes being committed by unauthorized 
users of firearms 13/. These facts gave impetus to the argument for a 
drastic revision of the 1958 law which would strengthen the methods of 
control of unauthorized possession of firearms. 

Most of the law breakers are affiliated with the organized 
crime syndicates. The confiscation of the weapons used by these crime 
syndicates clearly indicates that the number of guns owned by unauthorized-2-

who advocate the enactment of uniform gun control legislation under 
the exclusive control of the police. These people argued that the 
possession of firearms, which is the most important aspect of the 
gun control, is so closely connected with the problems of import, sale, 
and transfer of guns that the uniform administration of a law which 
covers both aspects of firearms control is urgently needed 12/. They 
also suggested that the category of swords should be governed separately. 
Consequently, in 1965, the 1958 Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms 
and Swords was drastically amended; however, this amendment did
not constitute an attempt to enact a uniform law. 

Government statistics revealed that the number of crimes 
committed through the unauthorized use of firearms (pistol and shotgun) 
has been greatly increased, as the following figures indicate: in 
1960, 70 cases involving the illegal use of pistols and 61 cases involving 
shotguns were increased in 1963 to 89 and 90 respectively. Out of the 
above 179 criminal acts committed in 1963, only 45 involved the authorized 
use of firearms, the majority of crimes being committed by unauthorized 
users of firearms 13/. These facts gave impetus to the argument for a 
drastic revision of the 1958 law which would strengthen the methods of 
control of unauthorized possession of firearms. 

Most of the law breakers are affiliated with the organized 
crime syndicates. The confiscation of the weapons used by these crime 
syndicates clearly indicates that the number of guns owned by unauthorized-2-

who advocate the enactment of uniform gun control legislation under 
the exclusive control of the police. These people argued that the 
possession of firearms, which is the most important aspect of the 
gun control, is so closely connected with the problems of import, sale, 
and transfer of guns that the uniform administration of a law which 
covers both aspects of firearms control is urgently needed 12/. They 
also suggested that the category of swords should be governed separately. 
Consequently, in 1965, the 1958 Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms 
and Swords was drastically amended; however, this amendment did
not constitute an attempt to enact a uniform law. 

Government statistics revealed that the number of crimes 
committed through the unauthorized use of firearms (pistol and shotgun) 
has been greatly increased, as the following figures indicate: in 
1960, 70 cases involving the illegal use of pistols and 61 cases involving 
shotguns were increased in 1963 to 89 and 90 respectively. Out of the 
above 179 criminal acts committed in 1963, only 45 involved the authorized 
use of firearms, the majority of crimes being committed by unauthorized 
users of firearms 13/. These facts gave impetus to the argument for a 
drastic revision of the 1958 law which would strengthen the methods of 
control of unauthorized possession of firearms. 

Most of the law breakers are affiliated with the organized 
crime syndicates. The confiscation of the weapons used by these crime 
syndicates clearly indicates that the number of guns owned by unauthorized-2-

who advocate the enactment of uniform gun control legislation under 
the exclusive control of the police. These people argued that the 
possession of firearms, which is the most important aspect of the 
gun control, is so closely connected with the problems of import, sale, 
and transfer of guns that the uniform administration of a law which 
covers both aspects of firearms control is urgently needed 12/. They 
also suggested that the category of swords should be governed separately. 
Consequently, in 1965, the 1958 Law Controlling the Possession of Firearms 
and Swords was drastically amended; however, this amendment did
not constitute an attempt to enact a uniform law. 

Government statistics revealed that the number of crimes 
committed through the unauthorized use of firearms (pistol and shotgun) 
has been greatly increased, as the following figures indicate: in 
1960, 70 cases involving the illegal use of pistols and 61 cases involving 
shotguns were increased in 1963 to 89 and 90 respectively. Out of the 
above 179 criminal acts committed in 1963, only 45 involved the authorized 
use of firearms, the majority of crimes being committed by unauthorized 
users of firearms 13/. These facts gave impetus to the argument for a 
drastic revision of the 1958 law which would strengthen the methods of 
control of unauthorized possession of firearms. 

Most of the law breakers are affiliated with the organized 
crime syndicates. The confiscation of the weapons used by these crime 
syndicates clearly indicates that the number of guns owned by unauthorized-3- 

persons was very large and increasing rapidly, while the number of 
swords and various types of knives used for criminal purposes was 
decreasing. Following are statistics regarding illegally owned guns, 
swords, and other deadly weapons. In 1960, 190 pistols and 134 shot-guns 
were illegally owned; in 1963, 330 pistols and 264 shotguns; and 
in 1964, 552 pistols and 375 shotguns. At the same time, figures for 
swords, knives, and other deadly weapons of similar nature which had 
been in the unauthorized possession of crime syndicates were on the 
decrease: 5480 in 1960; 3346 in 1963; and 3890 in 1964 14/. 

The 1965 amendment, aimed at curtailing illegal possession 
of firearms as a measure to prevent the use of such weapons in crimes
of violence, imposed heavier penalties on the culprits. It incorporated 
a new provision into the existing law (Article 3-2) concerning the 
prohibition on the importation of firearms and the over-all increase of 
punishment of law violators, especially in cases involving the illegal 
manufacture of firearms and the transfer of firearms or the possession 
of firearms, amending the relevant laws, such as the Law Concerning the
Manufacture of Firearms, and others 15/. 

The following is a summary of the Law Controlling the Possession 
of Firearms and Swords as amended in 1965: 

The Law consists of five chapters: (I) general provisions, 
(II) permission for the possession of firearms or swords, (III) registration 
of the matchlock-type firearms or swords, (IV) miscellaneous-3- 

persons was very large and increasing rapidly, while the number of 
swords and various types of knives used for criminal purposes was 
decreasing. Following are statistics regarding illegally owned guns, 
swords, and other deadly weapons. In 1960, 190 pistols and 134 shot-guns 
were illegally owned; in 1963, 330 pistols and 264 shotguns; and 
in 1964, 552 pistols and 375 shotguns. At the same time, figures for 
swords, knives, and other deadly weapons of similar nature which had 
been in the unauthorized possession of crime syndicates were on the 
decrease: 5480 in 1960; 3346 in 1963; and 3890 in 1964 14/. 

The 1965 amendment, aimed at curtailing illegal possession 
of firearms as a measure to prevent the use of such weapons in crimes
of violence, imposed heavier penalties on the culprits. It incorporated 
a new provision into the existing law (Article 3-2) concerning the 
prohibition on the importation of firearms and the over-all increase of 
punishment of law violators, especially in cases involving the illegal 
manufacture of firearms and the transfer of firearms or the possession 
of firearms, amending the relevant laws, such as the Law Concerning the
Manufacture of Firearms, and others 15/. 

The following is a summary of the Law Controlling the Possession 
of Firearms and Swords as amended in 1965: 

The Law consists of five chapters: (I) general provisions, 
(II) permission for the possession of firearms or swords, (III) registration 
of the matchlock-type firearms or swords, (IV) miscellaneous-3- 

persons was very large and increasing rapidly, while the number of 
swords and various types of knives used for criminal purposes was 
decreasing. Following are statistics regarding illegally owned guns, 
swords, and other deadly weapons. In 1960, 190 pistols and 134 shot-guns 
were illegally owned; in 1963, 330 pistols and 264 shotguns; and 
in 1964, 552 pistols and 375 shotguns. At the same time, figures for 
swords, knives, and other deadly weapons of similar nature which had 
been in the unauthorized possession of crime syndicates were on the 
decrease: 5480 in 1960; 3346 in 1963; and 3890 in 1964 14/. 

The 1965 amendment, aimed at curtailing illegal possession 
of firearms as a measure to prevent the use of such weapons in crimes
of violence, imposed heavier penalties on the culprits. It incorporated 
a new provision into the existing law (Article 3-2) concerning the 
prohibition on the importation of firearms and the over-all increase of 
punishment of law violators, especially in cases involving the illegal 
manufacture of firearms and the transfer of firearms or the possession 
of firearms, amending the relevant laws, such as the Law Concerning the
Manufacture of Firearms, and others 15/. 

The following is a summary of the Law Controlling the Possession 
of Firearms and Swords as amended in 1965: 

The Law consists of five chapters: (I) general provisions, 
(II) permission for the possession of firearms or swords, (III) registration 
of the matchlock-type firearms or swords, (IV) miscellaneous-3- 

persons was very large and increasing rapidly, while the number of 
swords and various types of knives used for criminal purposes was 
decreasing. Following are statistics regarding illegally owned guns, 
swords, and other deadly weapons. In 1960, 190 pistols and 134 shot-guns 
were illegally owned; in 1963, 330 pistols and 264 shotguns; and 
in 1964, 552 pistols and 375 shotguns. At the same time, figures for 
swords, knives, and other deadly weapons of similar nature which had 
been in the unauthorized possession of crime syndicates were on the 
decrease: 5480 in 1960; 3346 in 1963; and 3890 in 1964 14/. 

The 1965 amendment, aimed at curtailing illegal possession 
of firearms as a measure to prevent the use of such weapons in crimes
of violence, imposed heavier penalties on the culprits. It incorporated 
a new provision into the existing law (Article 3-2) concerning the 
prohibition on the importation of firearms and the over-all increase of 
punishment of law violators, especially in cases involving the illegal 
manufacture of firearms and the transfer of firearms or the possession 
of firearms, amending the relevant laws, such as the Law Concerning the
Manufacture of Firearms, and others 15/. 

The following is a summary of the Law Controlling the Possession 
of Firearms and Swords as amended in 1965: 

The Law consists of five chapters: (I) general provisions, 
(II) permission for the possession of firearms or swords, (III) registration 
of the matchlock-type firearms or swords, (IV) miscellaneous-3- 

persons was very large and increasing rapidly, while the number of 
swords and various types of knives used for criminal purposes was 
decreasing. Following are statistics regarding illegally owned guns, 
swords, and other deadly weapons. In 1960, 190 pistols and 134 shot-guns 
were illegally owned; in 1963, 330 pistols and 264 shotguns; and 
in 1964, 552 pistols and 375 shotguns. At the same time, figures for 
swords, knives, and other deadly weapons of similar nature which had 
been in the unauthorized possession of crime syndicates were on the 
decrease: 5480 in 1960; 3346 in 1963; and 3890 in 1964 14/. 

The 1965 amendment, aimed at curtailing illegal possession 
of firearms as a measure to prevent the use of such weapons in crimes
of violence, imposed heavier penalties on the culprits. It incorporated 
a new provision into the existing law (Article 3-2) concerning the 
prohibition on the importation of firearms and the over-all increase of 
punishment of law violators, especially in cases involving the illegal 
manufacture of firearms and the transfer of firearms or the possession 
of firearms, amending the relevant laws, such as the Law Concerning the
Manufacture of Firearms, and others 15/. 

The following is a summary of the Law Controlling the Possession 
of Firearms and Swords as amended in 1965: 

The Law consists of five chapters: (I) general provisions, 
(II) permission for the possession of firearms or swords, (III) registration 
of the matchlock-type firearms or swords, (IV) miscellaneous-4- 

provisions, and (V) penal provisions. Under Chapter I (Articles 1-3), 
the purpose and definition of the above law are set forth: 

Art. 1. The purpose of this Law is to provide control 
measures necessary for the prevention of danger and injury 
arising from the possession of firearms, swords, etc. 

Art. 2. In this Law "firearms" shall mean the powder
charging firearms which project a metal shell and an air 
gun (including one using compressed gas). 

At the same time, Article 3 expressly enumerates instances 
where possession of firearms is allowed: 

Art. 3. Any person may not possess forearms or swords. 
However, this shall not apply in cases which come under any 
of the following items: 

(1) In case of possession for the purpose of 
performing a duty in accordance with laws
and ordinances; 

(2) In case of possession by the state officials 
or by officials of the local public
body with the intention of examination or 
study, or of exhibition to the public. 

(3) In case of possession by any person who 
has obtained permission in accordance with 
the provisions of Articles 4 and 6. 

(4) In case of possession of a firearm which 
has been registered in accordance with 
the provisions of Article 14. 

(5) In case of possession by any arms or hunting 
gun manufacturer as provided in the 
Law concerning the manufacture of Arms (Law
No. 145, 1953) or by any person who has 
obtained permission under Articles 4 or 
18 of the above Law in order to carry on 
business.-4- 

provisions, and (V) penal provisions. Under Chapter I (Articles 1-3), 
the purpose and definition of the above law are set forth: 

Art. 1. The purpose of this Law is to provide control 
measures necessary for the prevention of danger and injury 
arising from the possession of firearms, swords, etc. 

Art. 2. In this Law "firearms" shall mean the powder
charging firearms which project a metal shell and an air 
gun (including one using compressed gas). 

At the same time, Article 3 expressly enumerates instances 
where possession of firearms is allowed: 

Art. 3. Any person may not possess forearms or swords. 
However, this shall not apply in cases which come under any 
of the following items: 

(1) In case of possession for the purpose of 
performing a duty in accordance with laws
and ordinances; 

(2) In case of possession by the state officials 
or by officials of the local public
body with the intention of examination or 
study, or of exhibition to the public. 

(3) In case of possession by any person who 
has obtained permission in accordance with 
the provisions of Articles 4 and 6. 

(4) In case of possession of a firearm which 
has been registered in accordance with 
the provisions of Article 14. 

(5) In case of possession by any arms or hunting 
gun manufacturer as provided in the 
Law concerning the manufacture of Arms (Law
No. 145, 1953) or by any person who has 
obtained permission under Articles 4 or 
18 of the above Law in order to carry on 
business.-4- 

provisions, and (V) penal provisions. Under Chapter I (Articles 1-3), 
the purpose and definition of the above law are set forth: 

Art. 1. The purpose of this Law is to provide control 
measures necessary for the prevention of danger and injury 
arising from the possession of firearms, swords, etc. 

Art. 2. In this Law "firearms" shall mean the powder
charging firearms which project a metal shell and an air 
gun (including one using compressed gas). 

At the same time, Article 3 expressly enumerates instances 
where possession of firearms is allowed: 

Art. 3. Any person may not possess forearms or swords. 
However, this shall not apply in cases which come under any 
of the following items: 

(1) In case of possession for the purpose of 
performing a duty in accordance with laws
and ordinances; 

(2) In case of possession by the state officials 
or by officials of the local public
body with the intention of examination or 
study, or of exhibition to the public. 

(3) In case of possession by any person who 
has obtained permission in accordance with 
the provisions of Articles 4 and 6. 

(4) In case of possession of a firearm which 
has been registered in accordance with 
the provisions of Article 14. 

(5) In case of possession by any arms or hunting 
gun manufacturer as provided in the 
Law concerning the manufacture of Arms (Law
No. 145, 1953) or by any person who has 
obtained permission under Articles 4 or 
18 of the above Law in order to carry on 
business.-4- 

provisions, and (V) penal provisions. Under Chapter I (Articles 1-3), 
the purpose and definition of the above law are set forth: 

Art. 1. The purpose of this Law is to provide control 
measures necessary for the prevention of danger and injury 
arising from the possession of firearms, swords, etc. 

Art. 2. In this Law "firearms" shall mean the powder
charging firearms which project a metal shell and an air 
gun (including one using compressed gas). 

At the same time, Article 3 expressly enumerates instances 
where possession of firearms is allowed: 

Art. 3. Any person may not possess forearms or swords. 
However, this shall not apply in cases which come under any 
of the following items: 

(1) In case of possession for the purpose of 
performing a duty in accordance with laws
and ordinances; 

(2) In case of possession by the state officials 
or by officials of the local public
body with the intention of examination or 
study, or of exhibition to the public. 

(3) In case of possession by any person who 
has obtained permission in accordance with 
the provisions of Articles 4 and 6. 

(4) In case of possession of a firearm which 
has been registered in accordance with 
the provisions of Article 14. 

(5) In case of possession by any arms or hunting 
gun manufacturer as provided in the 
Law concerning the manufacture of Arms (Law
No. 145, 1953) or by any person who has 
obtained permission under Articles 4 or 
18 of the above Law in order to carry on 
business.-4- 

provisions, and (V) penal provisions. Under Chapter I (Articles 1-3), 
the purpose and definition of the above law are set forth: 

Art. 1. The purpose of this Law is to provide control 
measures necessary for the prevention of danger and injury 
arising from the possession of firearms, swords, etc. 

Art. 2. In this Law "firearms" shall mean the powder
charging firearms which project a metal shell and an air 
gun (including one using compressed gas). 

At the same time, Article 3 expressly enumerates instances 
where possession of firearms is allowed: 

Art. 3. Any person may not possess forearms or swords. 
However, this shall not apply in cases which come under any 
of the following items: 

(1) In case of possession for the purpose of 
performing a duty in accordance with laws
and ordinances; 

(2) In case of possession by the state officials 
or by officials of the local public
body with the intention of examination or 
study, or of exhibition to the public. 

(3) In case of possession by any person who 
has obtained permission in accordance with 
the provisions of Articles 4 and 6. 

(4) In case of possession of a firearm which 
has been registered in accordance with 
the provisions of Article 14. 

(5) In case of possession by any arms or hunting 
gun manufacturer as provided in the 
Law concerning the manufacture of Arms (Law
No. 145, 1953) or by any person who has 
obtained permission under Articles 4 or 
18 of the above Law in order to carry on 
business.-5- 

(6) In case of possession by any dealer of 
hunting guns, mentioned in the Law Concerning 
the Manufacture of Arms, who with 
permission under Article 4, has purchased 
from any manufacturer of hunting guns, 
from any dealer of hunting guns, or from 
any person who possesses the same, or 
[in the case of possession] by the said
dealer who has imported the same for the 
purpose of business. 

(7) - (10). [Omitted.]

Art. 3-2. No person shall import pistols, rifles, 
machineguns, or guns (cannons) with the following exceptions: 

(1-5). [Omitted.]

Chapter II (Articles 4 to 13) is concerned with procedure 
regarding permission and restriction on the possession of firearms. 
Thus, any person who wishes to possess firearms, in accordance with 
the procedure prescribed by the Regulation of the Prime Minister's 
Office must obtain the permission of the Public Safety Commission of 
To, Do, Fu, or Ken, 16/ whichever controls the possession of firearms 
and swords in his place of residence. 

Under Article 4, permission should be obtained in the following 
instances: 1) for firearms necessary for hunting, the extermination of
harmful birds and beasts, butchery, life saving, fishery, and construction;
2) for firearms necessary for experimenting and research purposes; 3) for 
pistols to be used for international athletic games upon recommendation 
by the person designated by Cabinet Order; 4) for firearms necessary for
the signals of the umpire in international or nation-wide athletic games
upon recommendation by the person designated by Cabinet Order.-5- 

(6) In case of possession by any dealer of 
hunting guns, mentioned in the Law Concerning 
the Manufacture of Arms, who with 
permission under Article 4, has purchased 
from any manufacturer of hunting guns, 
from any dealer of hunting guns, or from 
any person who possesses the same, or 
[in the case of possession] by the said
dealer who has imported the same for the 
purpose of business. 

(7) - (10). [Omitted.]

Art. 3-2. No person shall import pistols, rifles, 
machineguns, or guns (cannons) with the following exceptions: 

(1-5). [Omitted.]

Chapter II (Articles 4 to 13) is concerned with procedure 
regarding permission and restriction on the possession of firearms. 
Thus, any person who wishes to possess firearms, in accordance with 
the procedure prescribed by the Regulation of the Prime Minister's 
Office must obtain the permission of the Public Safety Commission of 
To, Do, Fu, or Ken, 16/ whichever controls the possession of firearms 
and swords in his place of residence. 

Under Article 4, permission should be obtained in the following 
instances: 1) for firearms necessary for hunting, the extermination of
harmful birds and beasts, butchery, life saving, fishery, and construction;
2) for firearms necessary for experimenting and research purposes; 3) for 
pistols to be used for international athletic games upon recommendation 
by the person designated by Cabinet Order; 4) for firearms necessary for
the signals of the umpire in international or nation-wide athletic games
upon recommendation by the person designated by Cabinet Order.-5- 

(6) In case of possession by any dealer of 
hunting guns, mentioned in the Law Concerning 
the Manufacture of Arms, who with 
permission under Article 4, has purchased 
from any manufacturer of hunting guns, 
from any dealer of hunting guns, or from 
any person who possesses the same, or 
[in the case of possession] by the said
dealer who has imported the same for the 
purpose of business. 

(7) - (10). [Omitted.]

Art. 3-2. No person shall import pistols, rifles, 
machineguns, or guns (cannons) with the following exceptions: 

(1-5). [Omitted.]

Chapter II (Articles 4 to 13) is concerned with procedure 
regarding permission and restriction on the possession of firearms. 
Thus, any person who wishes to possess firearms, in accordance with 
the procedure prescribed by the Regulation of the Prime Minister's 
Office must obtain the permission of the Public Safety Commission of 
To, Do, Fu, or Ken, 16/ whichever controls the possession of firearms 
and swords in his place of residence. 

Under Article 4, permission should be obtained in the following 
instances: 1) for firearms necessary for hunting, the extermination of
harmful birds and beasts, butchery, life saving, fishery, and construction;
2) for firearms necessary for experimenting and research purposes; 3) for 
pistols to be used for international athletic games upon recommendation 
by the person designated by Cabinet Order; 4) for firearms necessary for
the signals of the umpire in international or nation-wide athletic games
upon recommendation by the person designated by Cabinet Order.-5- 

(6) In case of possession by any dealer of 
hunting guns, mentioned in the Law Concerning 
the Manufacture of Arms, who with 
permission under Article 4, has purchased 
from any manufacturer of hunting guns, 
from any dealer of hunting guns, or from 
any person who possesses the same, or 
[in the case of possession] by the said
dealer who has imported the same for the 
purpose of business. 

(7) - (10). [Omitted.]

Art. 3-2. No person shall import pistols, rifles, 
machineguns, or guns (cannons) with the following exceptions: 

(1-5). [Omitted.]

Chapter II (Articles 4 to 13) is concerned with procedure 
regarding permission and restriction on the possession of firearms. 
Thus, any person who wishes to possess firearms, in accordance with 
the procedure prescribed by the Regulation of the Prime Minister's 
Office must obtain the permission of the Public Safety Commission of 
To, Do, Fu, or Ken, 16/ whichever controls the possession of firearms 
and swords in his place of residence. 

Under Article 4, permission should be obtained in the following 
instances: 1) for firearms necessary for hunting, the extermination of
harmful birds and beasts, butchery, life saving, fishery, and construction;
2) for firearms necessary for experimenting and research purposes; 3) for 
pistols to be used for international athletic games upon recommendation 
by the person designated by Cabinet Order; 4) for firearms necessary for
the signals of the umpire in international or nation-wide athletic games
upon recommendation by the person designated by Cabinet Order.-5- 

(6) In case of possession by any dealer of 
hunting guns, mentioned in the Law Concerning 
the Manufacture of Arms, who with 
permission under Article 4, has purchased 
from any manufacturer of hunting guns, 
from any dealer of hunting guns, or from 
any person who possesses the same, or 
[in the case of possession] by the said
dealer who has imported the same for the 
purpose of business. 

(7) - (10). [Omitted.]

Art. 3-2. No person shall import pistols, rifles, 
machineguns, or guns (cannons) with the following exceptions: 

(1-5). [Omitted.]

Chapter II (Articles 4 to 13) is concerned with procedure 
regarding permission and restriction on the possession of firearms. 
Thus, any person who wishes to possess firearms, in accordance with 
the procedure prescribed by the Regulation of the Prime Minister's 
Office must obtain the permission of the Public Safety Commission of 
To, Do, Fu, or Ken, 16/ whichever controls the possession of firearms 
and swords in his place of residence. 

Under Article 4, permission should be obtained in the following 
instances: 1) for firearms necessary for hunting, the extermination of
harmful birds and beasts, butchery, life saving, fishery, and construction;
2) for firearms necessary for experimenting and research purposes; 3) for 
pistols to be used for international athletic games upon recommendation 
by the person designated by Cabinet Order; 4) for firearms necessary for
the signals of the umpire in international or nation-wide athletic games
upon recommendation by the person designated by Cabinet Order.-6- 

However, under Article 5, the following persons are prohibited 
from possessing firearms: 1) any person who is younger than 18 years 
of age (14 years of age in the case of possession of an air-gun); 2) any 
person with mental derangement, one poisoned by narcotics or "taima" or 
a mentally-dissipated person; 3) any person having not fixed abode; 
4) any person with respect to whom three years have not elapsed since
the day when his permission was withdrawn in accordance with Article 11;
5) any person who, for violation of Article 3, paragraph 1, has been 
sentenced to punishment more severe than a fine, during the three years
 prior to the date of his application for permission; and 6) any person 
(including the relatives living together) about whom there is reasonable 
cause to suspect of being dangerous to other persons' lives or properties 
or public peace. 

Aliens who enter Japan in order to use firearms in international 
athletic games to be held in Japan must obtain permission from the competent 
local Public Safety Commission which has jurisdiction over the ports of 
entry and exit 17/. 

When a Public Safety Commission gives permission, a permit 
certificate must be delivered. However, such permit shall be invalidated 
in the following instances: 1) when the possession of firearms has become 
impossible within 3 months from the time the permit was granted; 
2) when a person who had permission has died; 3) when a person transferred 
the said firearms and no longer has them in his possession at his-6- 

However, under Article 5, the following persons are prohibited 
from possessing firearms: 1) any person who is younger than 18 years 
of age (14 years of age in the case of possession of an air-gun); 2) any 
person with mental derangement, one poisoned by narcotics or "taima" or 
a mentally-dissipated person; 3) any person having not fixed abode; 
4) any person with respect to whom three years have not elapsed since
the day when his permission was withdrawn in accordance with Article 11;
5) any person who, for violation of Article 3, paragraph 1, has been 
sentenced to punishment more severe than a fine, during the three years
 prior to the date of his application for permission; and 6) any person 
(including the relatives living together) about whom there is reasonable 
cause to suspect of being dangerous to other persons' lives or properties 
or public peace. 

Aliens who enter Japan in order to use firearms in international 
athletic games to be held in Japan must obtain permission from the competent 
local Public Safety Commission which has jurisdiction over the ports of 
entry and exit 17/. 

When a Public Safety Commission gives permission, a permit 
certificate must be delivered. However, such permit shall be invalidated 
in the following instances: 1) when the possession of firearms has become 
impossible within 3 months from the time the permit was granted; 
2) when a person who had permission has died; 3) when a person transferred 
the said firearms and no longer has them in his possession at his-6- 

However, under Article 5, the following persons are prohibited 
from possessing firearms: 1) any person who is younger than 18 years 
of age (14 years of age in the case of possession of an air-gun); 2) any 
person with mental derangement, one poisoned by narcotics or "taima" or 
a mentally-dissipated person; 3) any person having not fixed abode; 
4) any person with respect to whom three years have not elapsed since
the day when his permission was withdrawn in accordance with Article 11;
5) any person who, for violation of Article 3, paragraph 1, has been 
sentenced to punishment more severe than a fine, during the three years
 prior to the date of his application for permission; and 6) any person 
(including the relatives living together) about whom there is reasonable 
cause to suspect of being dangerous to other persons' lives or properties 
or public peace. 

Aliens who enter Japan in order to use firearms in international 
athletic games to be held in Japan must obtain permission from the competent 
local Public Safety Commission which has jurisdiction over the ports of 
entry and exit 17/. 

When a Public Safety Commission gives permission, a permit 
certificate must be delivered. However, such permit shall be invalidated 
in the following instances: 1) when the possession of firearms has become 
impossible within 3 months from the time the permit was granted; 
2) when a person who had permission has died; 3) when a person transferred 
the said firearms and no longer has them in his possession at his-6- 

However, under Article 5, the following persons are prohibited 
from possessing firearms: 1) any person who is younger than 18 years 
of age (14 years of age in the case of possession of an air-gun); 2) any 
person with mental derangement, one poisoned by narcotics or "taima" or 
a mentally-dissipated person; 3) any person having not fixed abode; 
4) any person with respect to whom three years have not elapsed since
the day when his permission was withdrawn in accordance with Article 11;
5) any person who, for violation of Article 3, paragraph 1, has been 
sentenced to punishment more severe than a fine, during the three years
 prior to the date of his application for permission; and 6) any person 
(including the relatives living together) about whom there is reasonable 
cause to suspect of being dangerous to other persons' lives or properties 
or public peace. 

Aliens who enter Japan in order to use firearms in international 
athletic games to be held in Japan must obtain permission from the competent 
local Public Safety Commission which has jurisdiction over the ports of 
entry and exit 17/. 

When a Public Safety Commission gives permission, a permit 
certificate must be delivered. However, such permit shall be invalidated 
in the following instances: 1) when the possession of firearms has become 
impossible within 3 months from the time the permit was granted; 
2) when a person who had permission has died; 3) when a person transferred 
the said firearms and no longer has them in his possession at his-6- 

However, under Article 5, the following persons are prohibited 
from possessing firearms: 1) any person who is younger than 18 years 
of age (14 years of age in the case of possession of an air-gun); 2) any 
person with mental derangement, one poisoned by narcotics or "taima" or 
a mentally-dissipated person; 3) any person having not fixed abode; 
4) any person with respect to whom three years have not elapsed since
the day when his permission was withdrawn in accordance with Article 11;
5) any person who, for violation of Article 3, paragraph 1, has been 
sentenced to punishment more severe than a fine, during the three years
 prior to the date of his application for permission; and 6) any person 
(including the relatives living together) about whom there is reasonable 
cause to suspect of being dangerous to other persons' lives or properties 
or public peace. 

Aliens who enter Japan in order to use firearms in international 
athletic games to be held in Japan must obtain permission from the competent 
local Public Safety Commission which has jurisdiction over the ports of 
entry and exit 17/. 

When a Public Safety Commission gives permission, a permit 
certificate must be delivered. However, such permit shall be invalidated 
in the following instances: 1) when the possession of firearms has become 
impossible within 3 months from the time the permit was granted; 
2) when a person who had permission has died; 3) when a person transferred 
the said firearms and no longer has them in his possession at his-7- 

voluntary will; 4) when the firearms has been lost or stolen or destroyed; 
5) when the firearms have been recalled by the Public Safety Commission 
or confiscated by the same Commission (Article 27, paragraph 1); 6) when 
the recommendation by the designated person under Article 4, paragraph 1, 
items 3 or 4, (international athletic games) has been withdrawn or when 
the recommendation by the designated person for the permission for a 
person younger than full 18 years of age to possess an air-gun has been 
withdrawn; and 7) when the permit has expired 18/. 

Under Article 10, the carrying, transporting, or discharging 
of firearms, other than that specifically permitted by law (Articles 4
and 6), is prohibited with certain exceptions. The person who has obtained 
permission to possess firearms for the purpose of participating in the 
international games must have the said firearms put under the custody 
of another person 19/. 

Furthermore, any person who has been authorized to possess 
firearms is subject to supervisory power shuch as revocation, 20/ 
provisional holdings, 21/ hearings, 22/ and inspection 23/ by the competent 
Public Safety Commission. 

Chapter III (Articles 14 through 21) is exclusively devoted
to the problems arising from the registration of the matchlock-type 
firearms and swords, which have an artificial value, in the Cultural 
Property Protection Commission.-7- 

voluntary will; 4) when the firearms has been lost or stolen or destroyed; 
5) when the firearms have been recalled by the Public Safety Commission 
or confiscated by the same Commission (Article 27, paragraph 1); 6) when 
the recommendation by the designated person under Article 4, paragraph 1, 
items 3 or 4, (international athletic games) has been withdrawn or when 
the recommendation by the designated person for the permission for a 
person younger than full 18 years of age to possess an air-gun has been 
withdrawn; and 7) when the permit has expired 18/. 

Under Article 10, the carrying, transporting, or discharging 
of firearms, other than that specifically permitted by law (Articles 4
and 6), is prohibited with certain exceptions. The person who has obtained 
permission to possess firearms for the purpose of participating in the 
international games must have the said firearms put under the custody 
of another person 19/. 

Furthermore, any person who has been authorized to possess 
firearms is subject to supervisory power shuch as revocation, 20/ 
provisional holdings, 21/ hearings, 22/ and inspection 23/ by the competent 
Public Safety Commission. 

Chapter III (Articles 14 through 21) is exclusively devoted
to the problems arising from the registration of the matchlock-type 
firearms and swords, which have an artificial value, in the Cultural 
Property Protection Commission.-7- 

voluntary will; 4) when the firearms has been lost or stolen or destroyed; 
5) when the firearms have been recalled by the Public Safety Commission 
or confiscated by the same Commission (Article 27, paragraph 1); 6) when 
the recommendation by the designated person under Article 4, paragraph 1, 
items 3 or 4, (international athletic games) has been withdrawn or when 
the recommendation by the designated person for the permission for a 
person younger than full 18 years of age to possess an air-gun has been 
withdrawn; and 7) when the permit has expired 18/. 

Under Article 10, the carrying, transporting, or discharging 
of firearms, other than that specifically permitted by law (Articles 4
and 6), is prohibited with certain exceptions. The person who has obtained 
permission to possess firearms for the purpose of participating in the 
international games must have the said firearms put under the custody 
of another person 19/. 

Furthermore, any person who has been authorized to possess 
firearms is subject to supervisory power shuch as revocation, 20/ 
provisional holdings, 21/ hearings, 22/ and inspection 23/ by the competent 
Public Safety Commission. 

Chapter III (Articles 14 through 21) is exclusively devoted
to the problems arising from the registration of the matchlock-type 
firearms and swords, which have an artificial value, in the Cultural 
Property Protection Commission.-7- 

voluntary will; 4) when the firearms has been lost or stolen or destroyed; 
5) when the firearms have been recalled by the Public Safety Commission 
or confiscated by the same Commission (Article 27, paragraph 1); 6) when 
the recommendation by the designated person under Article 4, paragraph 1, 
items 3 or 4, (international athletic games) has been withdrawn or when 
the recommendation by the designated person for the permission for a 
person younger than full 18 years of age to possess an air-gun has been 
withdrawn; and 7) when the permit has expired 18/. 

Under Article 10, the carrying, transporting, or discharging 
of firearms, other than that specifically permitted by law (Articles 4
and 6), is prohibited with certain exceptions. The person who has obtained 
permission to possess firearms for the purpose of participating in the 
international games must have the said firearms put under the custody 
of another person 19/. 

Furthermore, any person who has been authorized to possess 
firearms is subject to supervisory power shuch as revocation, 20/ 
provisional holdings, 21/ hearings, 22/ and inspection 23/ by the competent 
Public Safety Commission. 

Chapter III (Articles 14 through 21) is exclusively devoted
to the problems arising from the registration of the matchlock-type 
firearms and swords, which have an artificial value, in the Cultural 
Property Protection Commission.-7- 

voluntary will; 4) when the firearms has been lost or stolen or destroyed; 
5) when the firearms have been recalled by the Public Safety Commission 
or confiscated by the same Commission (Article 27, paragraph 1); 6) when 
the recommendation by the designated person under Article 4, paragraph 1, 
items 3 or 4, (international athletic games) has been withdrawn or when 
the recommendation by the designated person for the permission for a 
person younger than full 18 years of age to possess an air-gun has been 
withdrawn; and 7) when the permit has expired 18/. 

Under Article 10, the carrying, transporting, or discharging 
of firearms, other than that specifically permitted by law (Articles 4
and 6), is prohibited with certain exceptions. The person who has obtained 
permission to possess firearms for the purpose of participating in the 
international games must have the said firearms put under the custody 
of another person 19/. 

Furthermore, any person who has been authorized to possess 
firearms is subject to supervisory power shuch as revocation, 20/ 
provisional holdings, 21/ hearings, 22/ and inspection 23/ by the competent 
Public Safety Commission. 

Chapter III (Articles 14 through 21) is exclusively devoted
to the problems arising from the registration of the matchlock-type 
firearms and swords, which have an artificial value, in the Cultural 
Property Protection Commission.-8-
Chapter IV (Articles 21-2 through 30 inclusive) sets forth 
miscellaneous provisions. The manufacturer of firearms, hunting guns, 
signal guns for whaling or the dealer of hunting guns or signal guns
for whaling shall not transfer the said gun to an assignee unless the 
former has confirmed that the latter is authorized to possess the gun 
under the provisions of Article 3 or unless he has displayed the permit 
under Article 7 24/. 

Any person who has found or picked up firearms must report 
this promptly to the nearest police station 25/. 

Any person who carries or transports a gun must carry with 
him the permit and registration, which are subject to police inspection 
upon request 26/. 

Under Article 24-2, the possessors of firearms are subject to 
police inspection and temporary custody of the firearms: 1) when there 
is a reasonable doubt that the person carrying or transporting firearms 
is dangerous to other persons' lives or properties or public peace judging 
from unusual behavior of the said person or from the surrounding circumstances, 
the police official may make him show the said firearms for 
inspection; 2) when it is deemed necessary, such firearms may be provisionally 
held by the police official; within 5 days from the time the 
firearms were taken into custody, they would be returned to the original 
possessor; 3) if the police official deems that such return is not proper, 
the firearms should be returned to the relatives or other persons;-8-
Chapter IV (Articles 21-2 through 30 inclusive) sets forth 
miscellaneous provisions. The manufacturer of firearms, hunting guns, 
signal guns for whaling or the dealer of hunting guns or signal guns
for whaling shall not transfer the said gun to an assignee unless the 
former has confirmed that the latter is authorized to possess the gun 
under the provisions of Article 3 or unless he has displayed the permit 
under Article 7 24/. 

Any person who has found or picked up firearms must report 
this promptly to the nearest police station 25/. 

Any person who carries or transports a gun must carry with 
him the permit and registration, which are subject to police inspection 
upon request 26/. 

Under Article 24-2, the possessors of firearms are subject to 
police inspection and temporary custody of the firearms: 1) when there 
is a reasonable doubt that the person carrying or transporting firearms 
is dangerous to other persons' lives or properties or public peace judging 
from unusual behavior of the said person or from the surrounding circumstances, 
the police official may make him show the said firearms for 
inspection; 2) when it is deemed necessary, such firearms may be provisionally 
held by the police official; within 5 days from the time the 
firearms were taken into custody, they would be returned to the original 
possessor; 3) if the police official deems that such return is not proper, 
the firearms should be returned to the relatives or other persons;-8-
Chapter IV (Articles 21-2 through 30 inclusive) sets forth 
miscellaneous provisions. The manufacturer of firearms, hunting guns, 
signal guns for whaling or the dealer of hunting guns or signal guns
for whaling shall not transfer the said gun to an assignee unless the 
former has confirmed that the latter is authorized to possess the gun 
under the provisions of Article 3 or unless he has displayed the permit 
under Article 7 24/. 

Any person who has found or picked up firearms must report 
this promptly to the nearest police station 25/. 

Any person who carries or transports a gun must carry with 
him the permit and registration, which are subject to police inspection 
upon request 26/. 

Under Article 24-2, the possessors of firearms are subject to 
police inspection and temporary custody of the firearms: 1) when there 
is a reasonable doubt that the person carrying or transporting firearms 
is dangerous to other persons' lives or properties or public peace judging 
from unusual behavior of the said person or from the surrounding circumstances, 
the police official may make him show the said firearms for 
inspection; 2) when it is deemed necessary, such firearms may be provisionally 
held by the police official; within 5 days from the time the 
firearms were taken into custody, they would be returned to the original 
possessor; 3) if the police official deems that such return is not proper, 
the firearms should be returned to the relatives or other persons;-8-
Chapter IV (Articles 21-2 through 30 inclusive) sets forth 
miscellaneous provisions. The manufacturer of firearms, hunting guns, 
signal guns for whaling or the dealer of hunting guns or signal guns
for whaling shall not transfer the said gun to an assignee unless the 
former has confirmed that the latter is authorized to possess the gun 
under the provisions of Article 3 or unless he has displayed the permit 
under Article 7 24/. 

Any person who has found or picked up firearms must report 
this promptly to the nearest police station 25/. 

Any person who carries or transports a gun must carry with 
him the permit and registration, which are subject to police inspection 
upon request 26/. 

Under Article 24-2, the possessors of firearms are subject to 
police inspection and temporary custody of the firearms: 1) when there 
is a reasonable doubt that the person carrying or transporting firearms 
is dangerous to other persons' lives or properties or public peace judging 
from unusual behavior of the said person or from the surrounding circumstances, 
the police official may make him show the said firearms for 
inspection; 2) when it is deemed necessary, such firearms may be provisionally 
held by the police official; within 5 days from the time the 
firearms were taken into custody, they would be returned to the original 
possessor; 3) if the police official deems that such return is not proper, 
the firearms should be returned to the relatives or other persons;-8-
Chapter IV (Articles 21-2 through 30 inclusive) sets forth 
miscellaneous provisions. The manufacturer of firearms, hunting guns, 
signal guns for whaling or the dealer of hunting guns or signal guns
for whaling shall not transfer the said gun to an assignee unless the 
former has confirmed that the latter is authorized to possess the gun 
under the provisions of Article 3 or unless he has displayed the permit 
under Article 7 24/. 

Any person who has found or picked up firearms must report 
this promptly to the nearest police station 25/. 

Any person who carries or transports a gun must carry with 
him the permit and registration, which are subject to police inspection 
upon request 26/. 

Under Article 24-2, the possessors of firearms are subject to 
police inspection and temporary custody of the firearms: 1) when there 
is a reasonable doubt that the person carrying or transporting firearms 
is dangerous to other persons' lives or properties or public peace judging 
from unusual behavior of the said person or from the surrounding circumstances, 
the police official may make him show the said firearms for 
inspection; 2) when it is deemed necessary, such firearms may be provisionally 
held by the police official; within 5 days from the time the 
firearms were taken into custody, they would be returned to the original 
possessor; 3) if the police official deems that such return is not proper, 
the firearms should be returned to the relatives or other persons;-9- 
4) when the firearms are in the possession of persons other than those 
having permission, the firearms in question may not be returned; 5) if
it is unable to return the firearms to the possessor or his relatives due
to an unknown address, within 5 days from which the police officer provisionally 
took them into custody, the police chief must announce this 
effect in the public notice in accordance with the Ordinance of the 
Prime Minister's Office; and 6) if no return is made within 6 months
from the time at which the public notice was made, the ownership of 
the said firearms would be in the hands of the state or local government. 

Under Article 25, the similar inspection and temporary custody 
of firearms also apply to the person who enters Japanese ports carrying
firearms 27/. 

In a case where a Public Safety Commission clearly deems that 
the delivery, transportation, and carrying of the firearms which have the
permit under Articles 4 and 6 and registration under Article 14 are directly 
dangerous to the maintenance of public order when there exists disaster 
or disturbance to local tranquility, 1) the Commission may prohibit or
limit these actions in a fixed district and period by means of a notice
in the fixed form of an announcement; 2) the Public Safety Commission may 
in a case where the above notice has been made, retain provisionally the 
firearms; 3) the notice given by the Commission must be approved by the 
deliberative assembly of the local public body convened within 7 days from 
the day of notice; 4) when the above approval has not been obtained, the-9- 
4) when the firearms are in the possession of persons other than those 
having permission, the firearms in question may not be returned; 5) if
it is unable to return the firearms to the possessor or his relatives due
to an unknown address, within 5 days from which the police officer provisionally 
took them into custody, the police chief must announce this 
effect in the public notice in accordance with the Ordinance of the 
Prime Minister's Office; and 6) if no return is made within 6 months
from the time at which the public notice was made, the ownership of 
the said firearms would be in the hands of the state or local government. 

Under Article 25, the similar inspection and temporary custody 
of firearms also apply to the person who enters Japanese ports carrying
firearms 27/. 

In a case where a Public Safety Commission clearly deems that 
the delivery, transportation, and carrying of the firearms which have the
permit under Articles 4 and 6 and registration under Article 14 are directly 
dangerous to the maintenance of public order when there exists disaster 
or disturbance to local tranquility, 1) the Commission may prohibit or
limit these actions in a fixed district and period by means of a notice
in the fixed form of an announcement; 2) the Public Safety Commission may 
in a case where the above notice has been made, retain provisionally the 
firearms; 3) the notice given by the Commission must be approved by the 
deliberative assembly of the local public body convened within 7 days from 
the day of notice; 4) when the above approval has not been obtained, the-9- 
4) when the firearms are in the possession of persons other than those 
having permission, the firearms in question may not be returned; 5) if
it is unable to return the firearms to the possessor or his relatives due
to an unknown address, within 5 days from which the police officer provisionally 
took them into custody, the police chief must announce this 
effect in the public notice in accordance with the Ordinance of the 
Prime Minister's Office; and 6) if no return is made within 6 months
from the time at which the public notice was made, the ownership of 
the said firearms would be in the hands of the state or local government. 

Under Article 25, the similar inspection and temporary custody 
of firearms also apply to the person who enters Japanese ports carrying
firearms 27/. 

In a case where a Public Safety Commission clearly deems that 
the delivery, transportation, and carrying of the firearms which have the
permit under Articles 4 and 6 and registration under Article 14 are directly 
dangerous to the maintenance of public order when there exists disaster 
or disturbance to local tranquility, 1) the Commission may prohibit or
limit these actions in a fixed district and period by means of a notice
in the fixed form of an announcement; 2) the Public Safety Commission may 
in a case where the above notice has been made, retain provisionally the 
firearms; 3) the notice given by the Commission must be approved by the 
deliberative assembly of the local public body convened within 7 days from 
the day of notice; 4) when the above approval has not been obtained, the-9- 
4) when the firearms are in the possession of persons other than those 
having permission, the firearms in question may not be returned; 5) if
it is unable to return the firearms to the possessor or his relatives due
to an unknown address, within 5 days from which the police officer provisionally 
took them into custody, the police chief must announce this 
effect in the public notice in accordance with the Ordinance of the 
Prime Minister's Office; and 6) if no return is made within 6 months
from the time at which the public notice was made, the ownership of 
the said firearms would be in the hands of the state or local government. 

Under Article 25, the similar inspection and temporary custody 
of firearms also apply to the person who enters Japanese ports carrying
firearms 27/. 

In a case where a Public Safety Commission clearly deems that 
the delivery, transportation, and carrying of the firearms which have the
permit under Articles 4 and 6 and registration under Article 14 are directly 
dangerous to the maintenance of public order when there exists disaster 
or disturbance to local tranquility, 1) the Commission may prohibit or
limit these actions in a fixed district and period by means of a notice
in the fixed form of an announcement; 2) the Public Safety Commission may 
in a case where the above notice has been made, retain provisionally the 
firearms; 3) the notice given by the Commission must be approved by the 
deliberative assembly of the local public body convened within 7 days from 
the day of notice; 4) when the above approval has not been obtained, the-9- 
4) when the firearms are in the possession of persons other than those 
having permission, the firearms in question may not be returned; 5) if
it is unable to return the firearms to the possessor or his relatives due
to an unknown address, within 5 days from which the police officer provisionally 
took them into custody, the police chief must announce this 
effect in the public notice in accordance with the Ordinance of the 
Prime Minister's Office; and 6) if no return is made within 6 months
from the time at which the public notice was made, the ownership of 
the said firearms would be in the hands of the state or local government. 

Under Article 25, the similar inspection and temporary custody 
of firearms also apply to the person who enters Japanese ports carrying
firearms 27/. 

In a case where a Public Safety Commission clearly deems that 
the delivery, transportation, and carrying of the firearms which have the
permit under Articles 4 and 6 and registration under Article 14 are directly 
dangerous to the maintenance of public order when there exists disaster 
or disturbance to local tranquility, 1) the Commission may prohibit or
limit these actions in a fixed district and period by means of a notice
in the fixed form of an announcement; 2) the Public Safety Commission may 
in a case where the above notice has been made, retain provisionally the 
firearms; 3) the notice given by the Commission must be approved by the 
deliberative assembly of the local public body convened within 7 days from 
the day of notice; 4) when the above approval has not been obtained, the-10- 

notice shall lose its effect thereafter; and 5) when the fixed period has
expired or the notice has become invalid, the Commission shall immediately 
return the firearms provisionally held. 
The person who has permission to possess firearms must submit 
to the Commission the records showing the classification, name, model, 
and serial number and pay the necessary fees for the issuance or the 
reissuance of the permit 28/. 
Under Chapter V of the same Law (Articles 31 to 37 inclusive), 
any person who possesses firearms in contravention of Article 3 or fails
to obtain permission is subject to a maximum punishment of penal servitude 
not exceeding 5 years of a fine not exceeding 200,000 yen 29/. Any person 
who imports firearms in violation of Article 3-2 is subject to penal 
servitude not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding 300,000 yen. If 
any person imports firearms for the purpose of profit, he is subject to 
penal servitude not exceeding 7 years or a fine not exceeding 500,000 yen 30/. 
For a minor violation, a minimum punishment of a fine not exceeding 
10,000 yen or confiscation of the firearms may be imposed 31/. 

Prepared by 
Dr. Sung Yoon Cho, Legal Specialist 
Far Eastern Law Division 
Law Library - Library of Congress 
May, 1968-10- 

notice shall lose its effect thereafter; and 5) when the fixed period has
expired or the notice has become invalid, the Commission shall immediately 
return the firearms provisionally held. 
The person who has permission to possess firearms must submit 
to the Commission the records showing the classification, name, model, 
and serial number and pay the necessary fees for the issuance or the 
reissuance of the permit 28/. 
Under Chapter V of the same Law (Articles 31 to 37 inclusive), 
any person who possesses firearms in contravention of Article 3 or fails
to obtain permission is subject to a maximum punishment of penal servitude 
not exceeding 5 years of a fine not exceeding 200,000 yen 29/. Any person 
who imports firearms in violation of Article 3-2 is subject to penal 
servitude not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding 300,000 yen. If 
any person imports firearms for the purpose of profit, he is subject to 
penal servitude not exceeding 7 years or a fine not exceeding 500,000 yen 30/. 
For a minor violation, a minimum punishment of a fine not exceeding 
10,000 yen or confiscation of the firearms may be imposed 31/. 

Prepared by 
Dr. Sung Yoon Cho, Legal Specialist 
Far Eastern Law Division 
Law Library - Library of Congress 
May, 1968-10- 

notice shall lose its effect thereafter; and 5) when the fixed period has
expired or the notice has become invalid, the Commission shall immediately 
return the firearms provisionally held. 
The person who has permission to possess firearms must submit 
to the Commission the records showing the classification, name, model, 
and serial number and pay the necessary fees for the issuance or the 
reissuance of the permit 28/. 
Under Chapter V of the same Law (Articles 31 to 37 inclusive), 
any person who possesses firearms in contravention of Article 3 or fails
to obtain permission is subject to a maximum punishment of penal servitude 
not exceeding 5 years of a fine not exceeding 200,000 yen 29/. Any person 
who imports firearms in violation of Article 3-2 is subject to penal 
servitude not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding 300,000 yen. If 
any person imports firearms for the purpose of profit, he is subject to 
penal servitude not exceeding 7 years or a fine not exceeding 500,000 yen 30/. 
For a minor violation, a minimum punishment of a fine not exceeding 
10,000 yen or confiscation of the firearms may be imposed 31/. 

Prepared by 
Dr. Sung Yoon Cho, Legal Specialist 
Far Eastern Law Division 
Law Library - Library of Congress 
May, 1968-10- 

notice shall lose its effect thereafter; and 5) when the fixed period has
expired or the notice has become invalid, the Commission shall immediately 
return the firearms provisionally held. 
The person who has permission to possess firearms must submit 
to the Commission the records showing the classification, name, model, 
and serial number and pay the necessary fees for the issuance or the 
reissuance of the permit 28/. 
Under Chapter V of the same Law (Articles 31 to 37 inclusive), 
any person who possesses firearms in contravention of Article 3 or fails
to obtain permission is subject to a maximum punishment of penal servitude 
not exceeding 5 years of a fine not exceeding 200,000 yen 29/. Any person 
who imports firearms in violation of Article 3-2 is subject to penal 
servitude not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding 300,000 yen. If 
any person imports firearms for the purpose of profit, he is subject to 
penal servitude not exceeding 7 years or a fine not exceeding 500,000 yen 30/. 
For a minor violation, a minimum punishment of a fine not exceeding 
10,000 yen or confiscation of the firearms may be imposed 31/. 

Prepared by 
Dr. Sung Yoon Cho, Legal Specialist 
Far Eastern Law Division 
Law Library - Library of Congress 
May, 1968-10- 

notice shall lose its effect thereafter; and 5) when the fixed period has
expired or the notice has become invalid, the Commission shall immediately 
return the firearms provisionally held. 
The person who has permission to possess firearms must submit 
to the Commission the records showing the classification, name, model, 
and serial number and pay the necessary fees for the issuance or the 
reissuance of the permit 28/. 
Under Chapter V of the same Law (Articles 31 to 37 inclusive), 
any person who possesses firearms in contravention of Article 3 or fails
to obtain permission is subject to a maximum punishment of penal servitude 
not exceeding 5 years of a fine not exceeding 200,000 yen 29/. Any person 
who imports firearms in violation of Article 3-2 is subject to penal 
servitude not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding 300,000 yen. If 
any person imports firearms for the purpose of profit, he is subject to 
penal servitude not exceeding 7 years or a fine not exceeding 500,000 yen 30/. 
For a minor violation, a minimum punishment of a fine not exceeding 
10,000 yen or confiscation of the firearms may be imposed 31/. 

Prepared by 
Dr. Sung Yoon Cho, Legal Specialist 
Far Eastern Law Division 
Law Library - Library of Congress 
May, 1968-11-

FOOTNOTES 

1/ Law No. 6, March 10, 1958; came into force on April 1, 1958. 
This Law superseded the Ordinance Concerning Firearms and Swords 
(Ordinance No. 334, 1950) which was issued pursuant to the general 
directives of the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers (SCAPIN 2099). 
This Ordinance prevailed as law by virtue of Law No. 13, 1952 after
the Peace Treaty came into force on April 20, 1952, until the enactment 
of the present law. 
2/ Cabinet Ordinance No. 33, March 17, 1958 
3/ Regulation No. 16, March 22, 1958. 
4/ Regulation No. 1, March 10, 1958. 
5/ Law No. 145, August 1, 1953, as last amended by Law No. 161, 
September 15, 1962. 
6/ Cabinet Order No. 198, August 15, 1953. 
7/ Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and 
Industry No. 43, September 1, 1953. 
8/ Law No. 149, May 4, 1950, as last amended by Law No. 161, 1962. 
9/ Cabinet Order No. 323, October 31, 1950, as amended by 
Order No. 216, July 28, 1954. 
10/ The Ministry of International Trade and Industry Ordinance 
No. 88, October 31, 1950 as amended by Ordinance No. 5, February 5, 1960. 
11/ Prime Minister's Office Order No. 65, December 28, 1960. 
12/ Isao Koike, "Juhō tōken nado shoji torishimarihō no ichibu o 
kaiseisuru hōritsu," [Partial Amendment to the Law Controlling the 
Possession of Firearms and Swords], Toki no hōrei (June, 1965), 
No. 536, p. 2. 
13/ Ibid. 
14/ Ibid. 
15/ Ibid. 
16/ These terms refer to the administrative division of Japan which 
is as follows: 1) To (Metropolis) refers to Tokyo; 2) Do (District) refers
to Hokkaido; 3) Fu refers to the urban prefectures, Kyoto and Osaka; and 
4) Ken refers to the 42 rural prefectures. The respective public safety 
commissions have control over each police force under their jurisdiction 
(see Police Law, Law No. 162, June 8, 1954).-11-

FOOTNOTES 

1/ Law No. 6, March 10, 1958; came into force on April 1, 1958. 
This Law superseded the Ordinance Concerning Firearms and Swords 
(Ordinance No. 334, 1950) which was issued pursuant to the general 
directives of the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers (SCAPIN 2099). 
This Ordinance prevailed as law by virtue of Law No. 13, 1952 after
the Peace Treaty came into force on April 20, 1952, until the enactment 
of the present law. 
2/ Cabinet Ordinance No. 33, March 17, 1958 
3/ Regulation No. 16, March 22, 1958. 
4/ Regulation No. 1, March 10, 1958. 
5/ Law No. 145, August 1, 1953, as last amended by Law No. 161, 
September 15, 1962. 
6/ Cabinet Order No. 198, August 15, 1953. 
7/ Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and 
Industry No. 43, September 1, 1953. 
8/ Law No. 149, May 4, 1950, as last amended by Law No. 161, 1962. 
9/ Cabinet Order No. 323, October 31, 1950, as amended by 
Order No. 216, July 28, 1954. 
10/ The Ministry of International Trade and Industry Ordinance 
No. 88, October 31, 1950 as amended by Ordinance No. 5, February 5, 1960. 
11/ Prime Minister's Office Order No. 65, December 28, 1960. 
12/ Isao Koike, "Juhō tōken nado shoji torishimarihō no ichibu o 
kaiseisuru hōritsu," [Partial Amendment to the Law Controlling the 
Possession of Firearms and Swords], Toki no hōrei (June, 1965), 
No. 536, p. 2. 
13/ Ibid. 
14/ Ibid. 
15/ Ibid. 
16/ These terms refer to the administrative division of Japan which 
is as follows: 1) To (Metropolis) refers to Tokyo; 2) Do (District) refers
to Hokkaido; 3) Fu refers to the urban prefectures, Kyoto and Osaka; and 
4) Ken refers to the 42 rural prefectures. The respective public safety 
commissions have control over each police force under their jurisdiction 
(see Police Law, Law No. 162, June 8, 1954).-11-

FOOTNOTES 

1/ Law No. 6, March 10, 1958; came into force on April 1, 1958. 
This Law superseded the Ordinance Concerning Firearms and Swords 
(Ordinance No. 334, 1950) which was issued pursuant to the general 
directives of the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers (SCAPIN 2099). 
This Ordinance prevailed as law by virtue of Law No. 13, 1952 after
the Peace Treaty came into force on April 20, 1952, until the enactment 
of the present law. 
2/ Cabinet Ordinance No. 33, March 17, 1958 
3/ Regulation No. 16, March 22, 1958. 
4/ Regulation No. 1, March 10, 1958. 
5/ Law No. 145, August 1, 1953, as last amended by Law No. 161, 
September 15, 1962. 
6/ Cabinet Order No. 198, August 15, 1953. 
7/ Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and 
Industry No. 43, September 1, 1953. 
8/ Law No. 149, May 4, 1950, as last amended by Law No. 161, 1962. 
9/ Cabinet Order No. 323, October 31, 1950, as amended by 
Order No. 216, July 28, 1954. 
10/ The Ministry of International Trade and Industry Ordinance 
No. 88, October 31, 1950 as amended by Ordinance No. 5, February 5, 1960. 
11/ Prime Minister's Office Order No. 65, December 28, 1960. 
12/ Isao Koike, "Juhō tōken nado shoji torishimarihō no ichibu o 
kaiseisuru hōritsu," [Partial Amendment to the Law Controlling the 
Possession of Firearms and Swords], Toki no hōrei (June, 1965), 
No. 536, p. 2. 
13/ Ibid. 
14/ Ibid. 
15/ Ibid. 
16/ These terms refer to the administrative division of Japan which 
is as follows: 1) To (Metropolis) refers to Tokyo; 2) Do (District) refers
to Hokkaido; 3) Fu refers to the urban prefectures, Kyoto and Osaka; and 
4) Ken refers to the 42 rural prefectures. The respective public safety 
commissions have control over each police force under their jurisdiction 
(see Police Law, Law No. 162, June 8, 1954).-11-

FOOTNOTES 

1/ Law No. 6, March 10, 1958; came into force on April 1, 1958. 
This Law superseded the Ordinance Concerning Firearms and Swords 
(Ordinance No. 334, 1950) which was issued pursuant to the general 
directives of the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers (SCAPIN 2099). 
This Ordinance prevailed as law by virtue of Law No. 13, 1952 after
the Peace Treaty came into force on April 20, 1952, until the enactment 
of the present law. 
2/ Cabinet Ordinance No. 33, March 17, 1958 
3/ Regulation No. 16, March 22, 1958. 
4/ Regulation No. 1, March 10, 1958. 
5/ Law No. 145, August 1, 1953, as last amended by Law No. 161, 
September 15, 1962. 
6/ Cabinet Order No. 198, August 15, 1953. 
7/ Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and 
Industry No. 43, September 1, 1953. 
8/ Law No. 149, May 4, 1950, as last amended by Law No. 161, 1962. 
9/ Cabinet Order No. 323, October 31, 1950, as amended by 
Order No. 216, July 28, 1954. 
10/ The Ministry of International Trade and Industry Ordinance 
No. 88, October 31, 1950 as amended by Ordinance No. 5, February 5, 1960. 
11/ Prime Minister's Office Order No. 65, December 28, 1960. 
12/ Isao Koike, "Juhō tōken nado shoji torishimarihō no ichibu o 
kaiseisuru hōritsu," [Partial Amendment to the Law Controlling the 
Possession of Firearms and Swords], Toki no hōrei (June, 1965), 
No. 536, p. 2. 
13/ Ibid. 
14/ Ibid. 
15/ Ibid. 
16/ These terms refer to the administrative division of Japan which 
is as follows: 1) To (Metropolis) refers to Tokyo; 2) Do (District) refers
to Hokkaido; 3) Fu refers to the urban prefectures, Kyoto and Osaka; and 
4) Ken refers to the 42 rural prefectures. The respective public safety 
commissions have control over each police force under their jurisdiction 
(see Police Law, Law No. 162, June 8, 1954).-11-

FOOTNOTES 

1/ Law No. 6, March 10, 1958; came into force on April 1, 1958. 
This Law superseded the Ordinance Concerning Firearms and Swords 
(Ordinance No. 334, 1950) which was issued pursuant to the general 
directives of the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers (SCAPIN 2099). 
This Ordinance prevailed as law by virtue of Law No. 13, 1952 after
the Peace Treaty came into force on April 20, 1952, until the enactment 
of the present law. 
2/ Cabinet Ordinance No. 33, March 17, 1958 
3/ Regulation No. 16, March 22, 1958. 
4/ Regulation No. 1, March 10, 1958. 
5/ Law No. 145, August 1, 1953, as last amended by Law No. 161, 
September 15, 1962. 
6/ Cabinet Order No. 198, August 15, 1953. 
7/ Regulation of the Ministry of International Trade and 
Industry No. 43, September 1, 1953. 
8/ Law No. 149, May 4, 1950, as last amended by Law No. 161, 1962. 
9/ Cabinet Order No. 323, October 31, 1950, as amended by 
Order No. 216, July 28, 1954. 
10/ The Ministry of International Trade and Industry Ordinance 
No. 88, October 31, 1950 as amended by Ordinance No. 5, February 5, 1960. 
11/ Prime Minister's Office Order No. 65, December 28, 1960. 
12/ Isao Koike, "Juhō tōken nado shoji torishimarihō no ichibu o 
kaiseisuru hōritsu," [Partial Amendment to the Law Controlling the 
Possession of Firearms and Swords], Toki no hōrei (June, 1965), 
No. 536, p. 2. 
13/ Ibid. 
14/ Ibid. 
15/ Ibid. 
16/ These terms refer to the administrative division of Japan which 
is as follows: 1) To (Metropolis) refers to Tokyo; 2) Do (District) refers
to Hokkaido; 3) Fu refers to the urban prefectures, Kyoto and Osaka; and 
4) Ken refers to the 42 rural prefectures. The respective public safety 
commissions have control over each police force under their jurisdiction 
(see Police Law, Law No. 162, June 8, 1954).-12-
FOOTNOTES - 2
17/ Art. 6.
18/ Art. 7.
19/ Art. 10-4.
20/Art. 11.
21/ Ibid.
22/ Art. 12.
23/ Art. 13.
24/ Art. 21-2.
25/ Art. 23.
26/ Art. 24
27/ Art. 25.
28/ Arts. 28 and 29.
29/ Art. 31.
30/ Art. 31-2.
31/ Arts. 35 through 37.-12-
FOOTNOTES - 2
17/ Art. 6.
18/ Art. 7.
19/ Art. 10-4.
20/Art. 11.
21/ Ibid.
22/ Art. 12.
23/ Art. 13.
24/ Art. 21-2.
25/ Art. 23.
26/ Art. 24
27/ Art. 25.
28/ Arts. 28 and 29.
29/ Art. 31.
30/ Art. 31-2.
31/ Arts. 35 through 37.-12-
FOOTNOTES - 2
17/ Art. 6.
18/ Art. 7.
19/ Art. 10-4.
20/Art. 11.
21/ Ibid.
22/ Art. 12.
23/ Art. 13.
24/ Art. 21-2.
25/ Art. 23.
26/ Art. 24
27/ Art. 25.
28/ Arts. 28 and 29.
29/ Art. 31.
30/ Art. 31-2.
31/ Arts. 35 through 37.-12-
FOOTNOTES - 2
17/ Art. 6.
18/ Art. 7.
19/ Art. 10-4.
20/Art. 11.
21/ Ibid.
22/ Art. 12.
23/ Art. 13.
24/ Art. 21-2.
25/ Art. 23.
26/ Art. 24
27/ Art. 25.
28/ Arts. 28 and 29.
29/ Art. 31.
30/ Art. 31-2.
31/ Arts. 35 through 37.-12-
FOOTNOTES - 2
17/ Art. 6.
18/ Art. 7.
19/ Art. 10-4.
20/Art. 11.
21/ Ibid.
22/ Art. 12.
23/ Art. 13.
24/ Art. 21-2.
25/ Art. 23.
26/ Art. 24
27/ Art. 25.
28/ Arts. 28 and 29.
29/ Art. 31.
30/ Art. 31-2.
31/ Arts. 35 through 37.