2018 Gun Deaths: JAPAN <12 | USA ~2K

On the heels of the recent Florida mass shooting; and a swift reminder of the Vegas Assault a few months ago, I found an article detailing why the Japanese have a lower mass-shooting rate.

With a population of 127 million, and an annual gun-death toll totaling less than a dozen, I thought it would be interesting to read more; and, share with fellow Steemians a glimpse of what’s required to buy a weapon in Japan.

Worth noting is that these laws are universal to the entire nation; not, relevant to this province; but, not that one.

One more thing before we begin; the following statement will sap some of the wind out of the sails of gun collectors.

It is not legal to buy a pistol, and/or military-styled weapon (AK-47) in Japan. Only shotguns and air rifles are allowed for purchase…ZERO HANDGUNS.

Okay, this lost about 99% of the U.S. population. Pistol-packing is the protection of preference in firearms.

The U.S. population is ~325M; a bit more than double Japan’s numbers. Sadly, this year alone, less than three months in, we are nearing the 2K mark in gun deaths.

Now, if you’re still reading; and haven’t checked out, here are the requirements that must be met:

• The person must attend an all-day class. (This doesn’t sound like asking too much).

• The person has to pass a written test. (Okay, I can hear some push back here; but, this makes sense. I’d be okay if it was offered orally, as well; but…let’s stay focused).

• The person has to take a shooting-range test with a minimum of 95% accuracy. (LOL! Ha! Can you say, better get some serious practice in?)

• The person must pass a mental-health evaluation. (No, not the kind where your personal ‘doc’ tests you; but, one that takes place at a hospital facility…Whoa, that’ll slow a few buyers down. That’s pretty intense. I’d love to read more; and, learn what the criteria of this testing is.) Let’s move on.

• The person must pass a background check. (Again, this is reasonable; yet very intrusive; as beyond the criminal aspect, friends and family members must be interviewed regarding your stability. Now, again, this would be okay if a survey was offered person to person, and every friend/family member interviewed was allowed to remain anonymous.

Unstable people don’t always react kindly to not getting what they don’t need. Anonymity would go a long way for maintaining peace…lol). i.e. Family member: No, I wouldn’t recommend that old Aunt Susie who drinks a bit more than she should, is stable for carrying…But, don't tell her I said so...lol!!!)

• And, to top it all off, once you pass every phase, every three years you have to retake the class; and, the initial written exam. (Geez, that would keep one alert to protocol).

Now, moving on to law enforcement:

• Officers can only carry while on duty.

• In dire encounters, they use a combination of martial arts and striking weapons (i.e. batons).

Perhaps, the “downside” of strict gun laws; is most fatalities are a result of stabbings.

Officers, resisting lethal force, create trust, making civilians feel less of a need to own a weapon.

The article shares, in comparison, U.S. police officers are more militarized, using automatic weapons and armored vehicles. Not to mention there is, unfortunately a lack-of-trust factor with many in the civilian sectors.

For this reason, Japan’s approach would be a very tough sell for those who are big on weaponry; but, it’s certainly something to consider for starting the conversation.

In closing, legal gun sales would decline if people had to follow more stringent laws; and gun shows wouldn’t be a workaround for licensing/purchasing.

Worth repeating, the U.S. population is ~325M; a bit more than double Japan’s numbers. What an accolade it’d be if we could report fewer than…oh…let’s go big…50 gun deaths a year. Sadly, this year alone, we are nearing the 2K mark; and the hot-temps of summer aren't even on the horizon.

To this end, I’d have to say:

USA, we indeed, do have a serious problem.

If you’d like to read the entire article here’s the link:
http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-control-how-japan-has-almost-completely-eliminated-gun-deaths-2017-10

That’s it.

Peace.