Gun Violence: US vs Japan 

Written and edited by Meyer Hirsch
July 23, 2024 


*Statistics used are from 2023 as that is the only year where all data from both countries was reported and verified in a publishable manner. Many places report varying exact numbers but they are all in the same general range

Government Policies and Gun Ownership

United States:
  • Gun Ownership: Approximately 120.5 guns per 100 residents.
  • Government Policy: The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. Gun laws vary by state, with some states requiring background checks for all gun sales, while others do not.
  • Regulations: Federal law requires background checks for purchases from licensed dealers, but not for private sales. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act mandates a waiting period and background check for firearm purchasers.​
  • Gun Deaths: In 2023, there were 43,163 gun-related deaths in the U.S., comprising 23,587 suicides, 18,462 homicides, and other causes (accidents, law enforcement, undetermined). (Everytown, and Pew Research Center)
Japan:
  • Gun Ownership: About 0.6 guns per 100 residents
  • Government Policy: The Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law strictly regulates firearm ownership. Civilians can only own shotguns and air rifles and must undergo thorough background checks, mental health evaluations, and rigorous training. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan)
  • Regulations: Comprehensive laws require detailed background checks, drug tests, and police inspections. Firearms licenses are difficult to obtain and must be renewed every three years.
  • Gun Deaths: In 2023, there were only 10 gun-related deaths in Japan, with nearly all being suicides. Gun homicides are exceedingly rare, often less than 10 annually. (Statista)

Statistics and Data

United States:
Gun Deaths (2023):
  • Total: 43,163
  • Suicides: 23,587
  • Homicides: 18,462
  • Other (accidents, law enforcement, undetermined): 2,154
  • Mass Shootings: 656 incidents of mass shootings in 2023, defined as events with four or more people shot or killed, not including the shooter. (The Trace)
Japan:
Gun Deaths (2023):
  • Total: 10
  • Suicides: Nearly all of the 10 deaths
  • Homicides: Typically less than 10 annually
  • Mass Shootings: Virtually nonexistent due to strict gun control laws.

Public Sentiment and Cultural Attitudes

United States:
  • Public Sentiment: Divided; a 2021 Pew Research Center survey found that 53% of Americans support stricter gun laws, while 47% believe current laws are sufficient or too strict.
  • Cultural Attitudes: Guns are often viewed as symbols of personal freedom and self-defense. Hunting and recreational shooting are common activities.
Japan:
  • Public Sentiment: Strong support for strict gun control laws. A 2018 poll showed that 91% of Japanese citizens believe their country is safe from gun violence due to strict regulations.
  • Cultural Attitudes: Firearms are seen as unnecessary for personal protection. The emphasis is on societal safety and non-violent conflict resolution.

Government Action

United States:
  • Recent Actions: Debates on gun control continue, with some states enacting stricter laws (e.g., universal background checks, red flag laws) and others loosening restrictions (e.g., permitless carry laws). Federal action remains limited.
  • Challenges: Political polarization and the influence of powerful lobbying groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) hinder comprehensive gun control legislation.
Japan:
  • Government Action: The government maintains and periodically reviews strict gun laws. Recent actions include increased scrutiny of mental health evaluations and more rigorous police inspections of firearm storage.
  • Challenges: Minimal public resistance due to broad societal consensus on the importance of strict gun control.

Conclusion
The comparison highlights significant differences in gun violence between the United States and Japan. The U.S. has high rates of gun ownership and gun-related deaths, influenced by constitutional protections and varied state laws. In contrast, Japan's stringent gun control laws and cultural attitudes result in extremely low rates of gun violence. These differences underscore the impact of policy and cultural context on gun violence outcomes.

https://www.everytown.org/issues/gun-suicide/ 
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/26/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/ 
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1319230/japan-number-gun-fatalities-shooting-incidents/#:~:text=Japan:%20number%20of%20gun%20deaths,%2D 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41488081 
https://www.thetrace.org/2023/12/data-gun-violence-deaths-america/ 
https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/disarmament/weapon/report0306.html