By Spooky on July 23rd, 2025 Category: News
Japanese authorities are on high alert after up to 16,000 plastic toy guns used as prizes in claw machines across the country were deemed able to fire live ammunition.
Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) recently issued a warning that thousands of illegal firearms were being offered as prizes in claw machines all around the Asian country, adding that authorities were scrambling to recall them. The ‘Real Gimmick Mini Revolver’ was imported into Japan from China as prizes in crane games, but although the brightly-colored plastic toy seemed harmless, its technical specifications suggested that ot was capable of being used as an actual firearm. The toy comes with eight plastic bullets that can be used to ping various objects or even prank people, but the NPA found that the gun could also potentially be used to fire live ammunition.
Interestingly, the NPA released a list of 16 so-called toy guns that it deemed capable of firing real bullets and potentially causing fatal injuries. All of them are Chinese-made and feature hammers made either of metal or hard enough plastic placed in just the right position, and feature a wide enough barrel to accommodate small caliber bullets. Possession of such guns may violate the Sword and Firearms Control Law, and the agency is warning people to report them to their nearest police station.
The Real Gimmick Mini Revolver has been sold to 78 Japanese companies in 31 prefectures by a company that has been importing it from China since December last year. Its target market is kids 12 and over, but authorities warn that it could be used as an actual firearm, with disastrous consequences. Not only would the gun fire the bullet in an unexpected direction, but it could also blow up in the user’s hand. After all, it’s a cheap plastic toy with lethal potential.
The NPA warned anyone in possession of such plastic toys that they are considered illegal firearms and should be turned over to the police as soon as possible.
