Sep 28, 2017
One Signpost I was Not Expecting to See in Japan
I was riding my bike to the market the other day when I came upon this signpost just about a kilometer from my house that caused me to stop in my tracks. Look at this:
I tell you, I was not expecting to see that anywhere in Japan. I get that I live in the inaka, but I was under the impression that guns were so restricted that it would hardly require public reminders to folks that there are areas where they shouldn't be shooting at things.
Or so I thought, until I was out on a walk with my family early in the morning near the river where that sign was posted. It was a morning like any other until I heard the familiar "Pop!" sound that normally accompanies a small gauge shotgun. I turned my head and saw a bird fall out of the sky, telling me that maybe there was a dang good reason why that sign had to be there.
Guess I need to go to the Koban now...
Hitting the books once again as a Ph.D. student in Niigata Prefecture. Although I've lived in Japan many years, life as a student in this country is a first.
Blessed Dad. Lucky Husband. Happy Gaijin (most of the time).
1 Comment
helloalissa
on Sep 29
I was really surprised to learn that Japanese people can own a gun for hunting in restricted areas, under very strict conditions. (They must take a test and keep guns locked up separately from ammunition, which is limited.) Before last year I thought only self defense military and policemen on duty were allowed to have guns in Japan. I hope the area you mentioned stays safe to visit with your family - without anyone hunting where they shouldn't be.