Weapon replicas at Japan Expo
Can I have a katana if it’s part of my costume? If it’s a replica? If it’s not sharpened? If you wonder about carrying weapon and katana replicas at Japan Expo, here are the answers!
During festivals, many attendees walk along the alleys with katana replicas, which is even more dangerous as they often have them at hand or pretend fighting among the crowd. That kind is situation is very risky and to ensure everyone's safety, there are strict rules about this subject: carrying any weapon replica, unless it’s made of soft materials such as foam, cardboard or light wood, is strictly forbidden inside the festival. This rule applies to cosplayers and all the attendees alike.
Weapon replicas (including katana), even when not sharpened, are decorative items and should not be used as toys. The attendees have to leave that type of item in the checkroom, otherwise they will be expelled from the festival by security.
Weapon replica sale is allowed only to people who are more than 18 and only on some authorized booth. The weapons the attendees can buy must be packed in boxes and vendors must give a box with it.
As for wooden weapons, they must be made of light wood and have no blunt part. For instance, boken are forbidden.
Fake weapons and neutralised airsoft type weapons are tolerated only if they go along with a costume and cannot be dangerous in any way. They must have NO munitions and the cartridge clip must be empty. They must be checked by Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center security.
Any risky part must be padded with foam or cardboard to be absolutely harmless.
Anyone bringing a non-authorized weapon inside will be lead to the exit by security.
As for cosplayers taking part in contests, there is more information on Cosplayforum.
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