In a surprising turn of events, owning a symbol of loyalty from the Gryffindor house could now land you in legal trouble in Japan. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, known for its immersive Harry Potter experience, has been forced to recall a souvenir replica of the Sword of Godric Gryffindor after receiving a warning from muggle law enforcement.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo opened its doors last summer in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward, offering fans an opportunity to explore the magical world of Harry Potter. The facility features recreations of iconic settings from the film series and showcases authentic costumes and props used in the movies. With a gift shop on-site, visitors can take home a piece of the magic, including a full-size stainless-steel replica of the famous sword wielded by Gryffindor’s founder.
Priced at 30,000 yen (US$196), this impressive 86-centimeter (34-inch) replica is unfortunately causing quite a stir. The size and design that make it appealing to devoted Harry Potter fans have also caught the attention of law enforcement. Japanese police recently informed Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo management that, under Japan’s Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law, the Sword of Godric Gryffindor is considered a “sword” and therefore illegal for civilians to possess.
The Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law sets specific criteria for distinguishing between swords and practical-use bladed tools like cooking knives. Factors such as length, material, and sharpness are taken into account when determining whether an object falls under the category of a sword. Although the replica does not have sharpened edges, it seems that the tip of the blade is sharp enough for it to be classified as such by law enforcement, requiring a special permit for ownership.
It appears that Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo may not have thoroughly checked the Sword of Godric Gryffindor against the standards outlined in the Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law. Perhaps they assumed that because it was sold attached to a wooden backing, it would be considered a piece of hanging wall art rather than a functional weapon.
The Sword of Godric Gryffindor was available for purchase between March 2023 and April 2024, during which time 351 were sold. These replicas are now being recalled, with Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo setting up an official webpage providing information on how purchasers can return their swords and receive a refund. While overseas visitors who have already taken their replica swords back to their home countries should not face any legal issues, potential buyers within Japan should exercise caution as some of these recalled replicas are currently available through second-hand sales sites.
The irony is not lost in this situation. Gryffindor, known as the heroic house within the Harry Potter universe, now finds itself entangled in legal complications in Japan. While Hufflepuffs may be known for playing nicely with others and Slytherins for their cunning ways, Gryffindors often answer the call to become heroes. Yet possessing a symbol of loyalty from this beloved house has unexpectedly turned into a criminal act.
This incident raises questions about the interpretation and application of laws surrounding fictional artifacts within popular culture fandoms. It also highlights the importance of understanding local regulations when creating and selling merchandise based on intellectual properties.
As fans eagerly await news of any potential resolution or workaround to make owning the Sword of Godric Gryffindor legally permissible once again, one thing remains clear: this unexpected twist has left Gryffindor enthusiasts in Japan feeling disheartened by the very law they believed would protect them.
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