GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
SUPREME COMMANDER FOR THE ALLIED POWERS

APO 500
29 May 1950

AG 388.3 (29 May 50) GB/CIS/PSD
(SCAPIN-2099)

MEMORANDUM FOR	JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
Subject	Instruction on Surrender of Arms by Japanese Civilians

1. Reference is made to following memoranda for the Japanese Government from General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers:
a. AG 386.3 (7 Sept 45) CS, SCAPIN 12, 7 September 1945.
b. SCAP radio, SCAPIN 50, 24 September 1945, subject, “Collection of Revolvers, Rifles and Swords in Possession of Civilians.”
c. AG 388.3 (23 Oct 45) CIS, SCAPIN 181, 23 October 1945, subject, “Instructions Concerning the Surrender of Arms by the Civilian Population of Japan.”
d. AG 386.3 (10 Jan 46) CIS, SCAPIN 574, 10 January 1946, subject, “Retention of Swords Classified as Objects of Art in Civilian Hands.”
e. AG 388.3 (27 Mar 47) GB/CIS, SCAPIN 1586, 27 March 1947, subject, “Instructions Concerning the Surrender of Arms by the Civilian Population of Japan.”
2. Reference cited in paragraph 1 above, are rescinded.
3. Possession by the civilian population of Japan of privately owned firearms, swords, bayonets, daggers, and other weapons, ammunition, explosives or component parts thereof is prohibited except as follows:
a. Air rifles.
b. Firearms, daggers or other weapons, component parts thereof or ammunition required for fishing, hunting, trap or skeet shooting, whaling, or life saving puposes.
c. Explosives required for industrial or exhibition purposes.
d. Firearms, swords, bayonets, daggers, and other weapons or the component parts thereof in possession of recognized museums, exhibitions, collections, authorized manufacturers and dealers, repairmen or theatrical and motion picture companies for use as stage properties.
e. Firearms, swords, bayonets, daggers and other weapons or component parts thereof which are objects of art, antiques, or family heirlooms.
4. The Japanese Government will take the necessary action to regulate the possession, use and disposal of such explosives, ammunition, firearms and other weapons in accordance with this directive.

FOR THE SUPREME COMMANDER:

K.B.Bush
Brigadier General, USA,
Adjutant General.