Pocket knife gets Marine in pickle with Japanese law

Okinawa Police City arrested a 22-year-old Marine Lance Corporal, Sunday, on suspicion of violating the Japanese Firearms and Swords Control Law.

According to police, an officer on patrol saw LCpl Nicolas Penirides pulling a bench down a street in Nakanomachi, Okinawa City, on Saturday evening.  While questioning him about his activity, the officer discovered a butterfly knife with a 9.7 cm long blade in his possession. According to the Japanese laws, all knives with a blade exceeding 6 cm in length are illegal with the exception of kitchen knives.

The Marine admitted carrying the knife, but insisted that, “this is for something to cut with,” and refuses to admit to the criminal charge.

15:00 29 Mar , 2024