Dangerous Toy Guns Fire Real Bullets: Japanese Police Issue Urgent Warning

In a swift response to a concerning discovery, Japan is recalling 16,000 toy pistols that have the potential to fire live ammunition. Labeled as “Real Gimmick Mini Revolver,” these toys were originally distributed as prizes in claw machines nationwide. However, it has come to light that despite their innocuous appearance, these plastic toys closely mimic the functionality of real guns.

The toy pistols, imported from China, were distributed among 78 companies across 31 prefectures. Aimed at children aged 12 and older, these toys include eight plastic bullets and are primarily made of plastic but feature components made of metal or hardened plastic. Alarmingly, the barrel of the toy is sufficiently wide to accommodate live ammunition.

The National Police Agency of Japan has issued a stern warning, classifying possession of these toys as illegal and urging the public to surrender them immediately to avoid legal consequences.

Warning: Toy Guns Capable of Firing Live Ammunition

This alarming issue extends beyond just one model. In total, authorities have identified 15 other toy gun models with similar capabilities, all of which are manufactured in China and were available either through arcade claw machines or online purchases. The unsuspecting individuals who acquired these toys might not realize the danger they pose. The police have raised concerns that these toys could unexpectedly discharge, project bullets erratically, or even burst in the user’s hands. The inherent risk is magnified by the fact that these toys are crafted from low-quality materials not designed to contain actual gunfire.

Internationally, there have been similar scares. In the United States, for instance, certain foam dart guns sold online were recalled after they did not meet essential visibility standards to differentiate them from real firearms. In a notable case in New York, Walmart faced significant public backlash for selling highly realistic toy guns, some of which were linked to tragic fatal encounters with the police. Over the years, there have been numerous incidents where replica guns were mistakenly identified as real, leading to deadly outcomes.

The recalls are not merely precautionary but are vital measures to prevent grave incidents. Toy guns that closely resemble real firearms have led to severe injuries and fatalities. It’s imperative that a child’s casual prize from a claw machine does not escalate to an emergency room crisis.

Toy weapons are meant for fun and entertainment, not to pose a threat that could lead to injury or death. If you happen to have one of these toys at home, it’s not just a harmless collectible but a potential hazard. The advice from Japanese authorities is unequivocal: dispose of these dangerous toys immediately to prevent any unfortunate accidents.