A popular Harry Potter theme park has issued an urgent warning to guests who may have unknowingly purchased merchandise that violates local laws. The warning comes after the sale of replicas of Godric Gryffindor’s sword—a key artifact in the Harry Potter series—that turned out to be too sharp to be considered just a collectible.
Despite their appearance as mere souvenirs, over 350 34-inch sword replicas were sold in the park’s gift shop between May 2023 and late April 2024, unintentionally breaking Japan’s strict weapons laws.
The swords, while mounted on wooden plaques, were sharp enough to violate Japan’s 1958 firearms and sword control law, which prohibits the possession of any knife or sword longer than 6 centimeters without a special license. This law carries the potential penalty of up to two years in prison for those caught carrying the illegal weapon.
Guests Urged to Act Quickly
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, located in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward, has since issued a recall for all guests who bought one of the swords during this period. Guests are being asked to contact the studio tour to arrange a return and receive a refund for the items.
Despite the sword’s decorative mounting, it’s still classified as a weapon under Japanese law, which has prompted the urgent action from Warner Bros. The studio’s statement on its website clarified that affected guests should get in touch immediately to handle the logistics of returning the product.
What is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo?
Opened in 2023, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo offers visitors a chance to explore iconic sets and scenes from the Harry Potter films, including Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and the Hogwarts Express. The indoor studio tour is one of the largest of its kind in the world and features many real props and costumes from the original eight films.
The attraction is located on the former site of the 100-year-old Toshimaen Park in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward. The experience is popular with fans looking to get an up-close view of the movie magic, complete with themed dining options, such as afternoon tea and classic British dishes like fish and chips. And of course, Butterbeer.
Growing Global Popularity of Harry Potter Attractions
The Harry Potter franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and the popularity of theme parks inspired by the Wizarding World only continues to grow. While Universal Orlando Resort has been a major player in the Harry Potter theme park world, other locations, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing, have since opened their own Wizarding World areas, further expanding the reach of the franchise.
In addition to these attractions, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, which opened in 2012, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, opened in 2023, have also attracted large numbers of visitors, offering fans a more behind-the-scenes look at the film production process.
Have you ever visited one of the Warner Bros. Studio Tours?
