Tokyo, Japan:
Harry Potter fans in Japan were left disappointed when sword replicas from the popular wizarding world were recalled due to being too authentic and potentially violating anti-weapons laws, Warner Bros. Studios Japan and media reported.
The replicas in question were “authentic recreations” of the Godric Gryffindor Sword, named after one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The silver sword, measuring 34 inches in length, was sold with a wooden display plaque for 30,000 yen ($200).
However, concerns were raised when investigators deemed the replicas to have sharp edges, possibly violating Japan’s strict sword and firearms control laws. The items were being sold at “The Making of Harry Potter”, an immersive studio park in Tokyo dedicated to the magical world of Harry Potter.
In response to the issue, Warner Bros. Studios Japan issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the recall. While violent crime is uncommon in Japan due to stringent gun control laws, there have been rare incidents of stabbings and shootings, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.
Harry Potter enthusiasts who had purchased the sword replicas expressed their disappointment on social media, with one fan describing the farewell as “frustrating” and “very sad”. Another fan lamented having to hand over the Gryffindor sword, which they had vowed to cherish for life, to the police for disposal.
Despite the recall, fans of the wizarding world continue to show their love and support for the iconic Harry Potter franchise. The incident serves as a reminder of the enduring popularity and cultural impact of J.K. Rowling’s magical universe.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
