Analysis on Firearm Policies: France and Japan

Rebekah Wilkins

POLS 2200

07 March 2020

P. Gutaj
 Wilkins 1

Analysis on Firearm Policies

 Every day, over 500 people pass away and, approximately 2000 people receive injuries

by a firearm worldwide. (Amnesty International, 2019) Gun Control is a controversial and highly

discussed topic globally. In an attempt to reduce mass shootings and firearm deaths, Government

officials seek resolutions that will fulfill the demands of their people, yet take preventative

actions to limit the number of casualties caused by weapons. Countries like France and Japan

have fundamentally different laws in place for guns. Restrictions and licensing procedures are

also diverse in both of these countries, which yield different results. How are these two countries

responding to an issue that causes almost half of homicides globally? (Amnesty International,

2019)

Are France's gun policies preventing mass attacks or is it restricting their residents from

self-defense?

  France's tight gun control receives a series of scrutiny by many Americans, due to the

mass shootings that continue to occur despite their strict policies. Adam Taylor, a reporter with

Washington Post, states that "In 2012, the French government estimated that there were at least

7.5 million guns legally in circulation." (Taylor, 2015) According to CNN, France categorizes

firearms into different sections depending on different sizes and uses. (Andelman, 2018) The

first category that is attainable by a normal citizen over the age of 16 would be Category B.

Andelman states that "Category B includes any firearm with a barrel shorter than 18.5 inches and

a removable magazine with capacity larger than three rounds." (Andelman, 2018). To obtain this

category of firearm, a person would need a sports shooting license which according to

Andelman, France only requires an "active membership in a shooting club, presenting yourself at

a firing range at least three times a year, and visiting a physician annually for a physical and
 Wilkins 2

mental certification that you are capable of owning a firearm." (Andelman, 2018) This license

must be renewed every three years or owned guns must be submitted to authorities. Category C

requires a hunting or sports license and consists of most hunting guns that hold up to three

rounds. These guns must be registered and cannot be loaded during transportation. includes most

regular hunting weapons limited to three rounds. To own these, carriers must also take exams to

learn gun safety. (Andelman, 2018) The main issue here is not that people are unable to carry a

firearm, the issue that France faces is the number of illegal firearms being transported and

circulated within the country.

  France has made several efforts to prevent illegal firearms from being brought into the

country. However, many officials speculate that the guns are coming in from Germany, Belgium,

and other surrounding countries. As a result, the French are constantly monitoring and upgrading

the borders and customs agencies to prevent the transport of illegal firearms. These changes in

their gun policy have helped decrease the number of mass shootings in France and they have

now decreased to 0.15 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people compared to Americas 2.9 deaths

per 100,000 people as of 2017. (GunPolicy.org, 2017)

How does Japan maintain its reputation in low gun violence?

Japan has one of the lowest numbers of firearm casualties in the world. (Low, 2017)

Many believe that this is a result of their strict system to obtain a gun license. Japan has over

double the population than France but has about 36 times less volume of legal guns. (Schreiber,

2019) Before applying for a gun, the applicant must declare what their need is to receive one and

must be over the age of 18. The next step that one must do in the gun licensing process is to

attend an all-day class, only held once a month, where they learn about guns and their usages but

also must disclose personal information such as name, title, job, and education. Subsequently, the
 Wilkins 3

person will take a written exam and a shooting range accuracy-test and pass with 95% to

continue through the process. (Weller, 2018) Harry Low, with BBC World Service, also explains

that there are several other thorough exams required to move through the process including

mental health checks, drug tests, and physical wellbeing checks in which a local hospital is

responsible for conducting. Upon obtaining their application after passing these exams, the

government will then begin an extensive background check where they will look for criminal

activity and any links that may suggest that the person could affiliate with an extremist group.

The person must also provide a list of references in which the reviewer will call to verify the

listed information on the application. (Low, 2017) After the reviewer deems the applicant fit,

only then will they be able to receive their gun license and begin to purchase firearms. 

Why does Japan have more successful gun reform than France?

 Compared to France, it is more difficult for Japanese citizens to obtain illegal firearms as they

do not have any countries bordering them. France has several countries bordering on the North-

East and South-West edges. Japan also has a more extensive procedure to obtain gun licensing

compared to France who has different procedures to operate different firearms. Many have also

mentioned the culture plays a significant role in the use of guns. According to Chris Weller from

Business Insider, “Gun control in Japan, combined with the prevailing respect for authority, has

led to a more harmonious relationship between civilians and the police than in the US.” (Weller,

2018) Weller explains that the police force uses less lethal weapons to combat crime which in

turn, makes the citizens feel a lesser desire and need to carry a firearm with them. French has

become well-known to hold a higher number of extremists according to Myre with NPR. With

many refugees migrating to France and surrounding countries, it has received several series of

conflict amongst these groups. (Myre, 2016)

 Wilkins 4

Conclusion

Although it is difficult to prevent the use and trade of illicit items both France and Japan

have taken precautionary measures to prevent and limit the amount of gun violence in their

countries by installing strict gun reforms. By strengthening its border patrol, France can decrease

its death rates caused by a firearm and protect its citizens. Japan is a good example of ensuring

extremely low death by gun rates with it's long and difficult processes. Although many people

see this as inhibiting freedom of rights, especially as France is known as a "no bear of arms"

country, these reforms and policies have been put in place to prevent the loss of life within a

country. While France still has a little more room for improvement, both Japan and France

should be a guide to other countries who may struggle with gun policies.
 Wilkins 5

References

Alpers, P. (n.d.). Guns in France - Firearms, gun law and gun control. Retrieved from

https://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/france

Alpers, P. (n.d.). Guns in Japan - Firearms, gun law and gun control. Retrieved from

https://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/japan

Alpers, P. (n.d.). Guns in the United States - Firearms, gun law and gun control. Retrieved from

https://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/united-states

Andelman, D. A. (2018, February 26). How France cut its per capita gun ownership in half.

Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/26/opinions/france-america-gun-laws-opinion-

andelman/index.html

Five things to know about guns in France. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.thelocal.fr/20171004/five-things-to-know-about-guns-in-france

Hickey, W. (2013, January 15). How Australia And Other Developed Nations Have Put A Stop To

Gun Violence. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/canada-australia-japan-britain-

gun-control-2013-1

Jowit, J., Laville, S., Wahlquist, C., Oltermann, P., McCurry, J., & Beckett, L. (2016, March 14).

Four countries with gun control – and what America could learn from them. Retrieved from

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/15/so-america-this-is-how-you-do-gun-control

Key facts about gun violence worldwide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-

we-do/arms-control/gun-violence/
 Wilkins 6

Low, H. (2017, January 6). How Japan has almost eradicated gun crime. Retrieved from

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38365729

Myre, G. (2016, July 15). Why Did France Become A Leading Target For Extremists? Retrieved

from https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/11/21/456805336/how-did-france-became-a-

leading-target-for-extremists

Schreiber, M. (n.d.). Dealing with gun issues in a nation with few guns. Retrieved from

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/03/02/national/media-national/dealing-gun-issues-

nation-guns/#.XmW58ahKhPY

Taylor, A. (2015, January 9). France has strict gun laws. Why didn't that save Charlie Hebdo

victims? Retrieved from

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/01/09/france-has-strict-gun-laws-

why-didnt-that-save-charlie-hebdo-victims/

The French Hunting Permit "Permis de Chasse": What You Should Know. (2016, September 16).

Retrieved from https://en.browning-blog.eu/the-french-hunting-permit-permis-de-chasse-what-

you-should-know/

Umeda, & Sayuri. (n.d.). Firearms-Control Legislation and Policy: Japan. Retrieved from

https://www.loc.gov/law/help/firearms-control/japan.php

Weller, C. (2018, February 15). Japan has almost completely eliminated gun deaths - here's how.

Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/gun-control-how-japan-has-almost-completely-

eliminated-gun-deaths-2017-10