In Japan, as in other countries where Halloween is celebrated, people are likely to dress up in a wide variety of costumes, from "standard" costumes like witches or ghosts to costumes of favorite characters from anime, manga, or films.

Depending on the character they choose, they may also have weapons and other props.

Airsoft gun maker issues warning for Halloween

Tokyo Marui Co. is a toy manufacturer and distributor of airsoft guns that fire plastic pellets, mostly used by survival game enthusiasts.

Since crowds are returning to Halloween events this year due to a decrease in novel coronavirus infections, the company re-posted a warning it issued in 2018 concerning its products and their usage as costume props. It has attracted a lot of attention.

Do not show airsoft guns on public roads or other public places where people and cars pass by.
*Some people are scared by airsoft guns that look like real guns.

When attending a Halloween event, please be sure to check the event rules.
*Many events do not allow airsoft guns.

Above all, if you buy an airsoft gun, please read the manual first.
*Handle it safely and avoid injury by following the instructions, as well as rules and manners!

Some people may think, "If a person in costume were to carry a gun, you would know it was a toy and not the real thing."

However, in this day and age, it's sadly impossible to deny the possibility that a person in a costume is actually carrying a lethal weapon.

Refraining from suspicious behavior is one way to promote an environment where Halloween revelers can feel safe as they have fun.

The post by Tokyo Marui Co., Ltd. became a hot topic online and received a number of supportive comments, such as:

  • "Most people can't tell the difference between a real gun and an airsoft gun. If you don't conceal an airsoft gun, you could be reported."
  • "Even if it's not a real gun, you could misfire it and hurt someone if you don't read the instruction manual."
  • "There have been various incidents not only in foreign countries but also in Japan... I think we need to be more careful than in previous years to avoid misunderstandings."
  • "I think we need to be more careful with weapon props, even if they are not real guns."
  • "I think that people who buy airsoft guns just for the sake of Halloween are less familiar not only with how to handle them but also the appropriate code of conduct (followed by members of the survival game community), so I hope that this warning will be widely spread."

Every year around Halloween time, many high-quality costumes gain attention online.

Although you may be tempted to have realistic props, you should think carefully about whether it's safe to bring an airsoft gun with you and how you use it.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.