Can you Bowhunt in Japan?
John Thompson
Updated on January 23, 2026
Hunting is a thing in Japan, even with guns. But as you can imagine, it's much more tightly controlled than it is in the US. First, prospective hunters over 18 must apply for a license (administered by each prefecture) before they are allowed to hunt.
Can I own a bow and arrow in Japan?
Now, the Japanese government is considering banning most people from buying, selling, or owning these semi-automatic bow and arrows. After a series of horrific crimes using the weapons there are now pending revisions to Japan's laws which will limit their usage to sports and tranquilizing animals.Can you have a bow in Japan?
In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. A bow can ranges from a small nod of the head to a deep bend at the waist. A deeper, longer bow indicates respect and conversely a small nod with the head is casual and informal. If the greeting takes place on tatami floor, people get on their knees to bow.Can foreigners hunt in Japan?
Although hunting rates in Japan are in decline, the hobby is interestingly becoming more popular among Japanese women and, as Tony tells us, is accessible to foreigners too. I must have heard the question a hundred times, usually asked with a mixture of bewilderment and suspicion.What countries is bow hunting legal?
North America
- Australia. Hunting with bow & arrow is legal for all legal game.
- New Zealand. Hunting with bow & arrow is legal for all legal game.
- New Guinea. Legal.
- Russia. Possible with special permit, bow is considered a weapon and therefore may not be brought into Russia with out a license.
- Estonia. Legal as of 2013.