Japan has always been vigilant about civilians owning firearms and may have been the first country in world history to implement a civilian gun buyback policy. The strictness of their gun control is such that they rank second among modernized nations—the neighbor next door ranks first, being even stricter by banning some toy guns as well, essentially reaching the human limit.
Of course, the gun ban here doesn't mean no one can have a gun, but rather "strictly prohibits illegal possession of firearms." Getting caught with one means immediate punishment, with sentencing only on the heavier side.
So in Japan, owning a gun is quite troublesome. According to the "Swords and Firearms Control Law," if you want to own a shotgun, you must first obtain a letter of recommendation from an organization such as a shooting club or a hunting team and find a guarantor;
