Britain to ban imitation Japanese swords after attacks

Britain is to ban the sale of imitation Japanese swords from April following an increase in their use in murders and attacks, the Home Office said Wednesday. However, the ban will not affect the purchase of genuine antique long Japanese swords, known as "katana," which were used by samurai warriors in pre-industrial Japan. Martial arts enthusiasts and sword societies in Britain can still use and keep these items.
In recent years, the government has become increasingly concerned about the ease with which imitation traditional swords can be purchased, particularly over the Internet. They are relatively cheap and are often manufactured in China. Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said, "In the wrong hands, samurai swords are dangerous weapons. There have been a number of high-profile, serious incidents involving samurai swords in England and Wales in recent years. It is therefore crucial that we take this action to tackle the menace of violent crime."