Kirpan (a ceremonial dagger carried by baptised Sikhs)

[BSingh]

I'm a Sikh from England, and I had question regarding the law in Japan on whether a Kirpan is allowed to be worn or not. A Kirpan is one of the 5 articles of faith we have to wear after Amrit (baptism). It is a 3-6 inch Sikh dagger - a symbol representing mercy and compassion for the protection of others. In England it is allowed to be worn underneath our clothes. I was wondering is it allowed to be worn in Japan by a Sikh?

For those of you who are not aware of Sikhism, here is a bit of information on it:
The founder of our religion is Guru Nanak and the three pillars of Sikhism are Charity, Meditation and to Earn a Honest Living.

 

[thomas]

If I read it correctly, the Firearms and Swords Control Law stipulates that swords, spears and naginata with a blade of more than 15cm in length, "portable knives" with a blade of more than 6cm in length as well as all sorts of switchblade knives are prohibited to carry. Whether religious artefacts are exempted I cannot say, but I doubt it.

Your best bet would be to inquire with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. Perhaps @Majestic, our resident sword expert, knows more. Just curious: you certainly cannot board an airliner carrying the kirpan, can you?

Here's what happened to an innocent tourist carrying a Swiss Army knife: Tourist's 10-day detention rapped.

 

[BSingh]

Thank you for your reply, it was informative.

We can also wear as little as 3 inches. No, we do not wear a Kirpan on an airplane, we just keep it in the luggage until we arrive at our destination.

 

[Majestic]

I'm very flattered. I wish I were an expert in swords!

B Singh, Japanese knife laws are very strict, and I'm afraid the authorities will not be understanding to your situation. In addition to the laws prohibiting the carrying of any knife with a blade longer than 6 centimeters, you can also be convicted of a misdemeanor for carrying a knife with a blade shorter than 6 cms if you do not have sufficient reason to be carrying such a knife (Minor Offenses Act). Sufficient reason means, for example, carrying a box cutter on the way home from the store, or carrying a fishing knife along with your fishing gear. The law is somewhat vague in this regard.

Ideally, "religious purposes" would be an acceptable reason for carrying a 3 cm ceremonial knife, but the Sikh population is small here in Japan and I would be cautious about this. The Japanese people themselves are curious and open-minded about others' religious views, but I wouldn't expect the same kind of generosity from the Japanese police.

 

[Mike Cash]

Three inches will put you over the limit.

In case you're wondering if an unsharpened blade incapable of cutting hot butter would be acceptable, only if the tip is also so rounded that it would be impossible to cause injury to anyone by stabbing them with it.

 

[Dotanbatan]

It's probably better to get information from Sikhs living in Japan - here's a link.

☬ Sikhi in Japan 🗾

sikhjapanese.blogspot.com

Looks like a lot are on Facebook so you could ask them (privately) via that route.

 

[BSingh]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Majestic, that's true regarding the purpose behind carrying a knife but as Mike Cash stated 3 inches does go over the limit. Dotanbatan, thank you for that link, I think I'll find out from those sikhs and see what they say too.

 

[Mike Cash]

When you find the answer, please add it to this thread. Not because it will benefit any of us, but because it will yield a useful result for the next Sikh seeking the same information in the future.