Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated Friday while giving an election campaign speech in the city of Nara. The longest-serving prime minister’s untimely death sent shockwaves not only in Japan but all across the world.

A huge figure in Japanese public life, Abe was the most recognisable Japanese politician of the last three decades.

Abe’s death raised a question in every citizen’s mind – how could this happen in Japan? Owning a gun in the country is extremely difficult. Statistics show that Japan has one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the world.

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Nancy Snow, Japan director of the International Security Industrial Council, said the shooting would change Japan forever.

“It’s not only rare, but it’s really culturally unfathomable,” she told CNN. “The Japanese people can’t imagine having a gun culture like we have in the United States. This is a speechless moment. I really feel at a loss for words.”

How to obtain a gun in Japan?

Japan has a long list of tests that a person must clear in order to obtain a gun. Obtaining an assault rifle is even tougher due to compliance. 

It requires no criminal record, mandatory training, pass a written test and a shooting-range test with an accuracy of at least 95%, psychological evaluation, drug test and extensive background checks including police interviewing neighbors and review of personal debt.

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Civilians are not allowed to possess handguns, military rifles, machine guns, large-caliber guns, imitation firearms, as well as hunting guns, and certain air guns without specific approval. The maximum penalty is 15 years in prison. Possessing more than one gun is also a crime.

After obtaining a gun, the owner must register their weapon with police. They must provide details of where their gun and ammunition is stored, in separate, locked compartments. The gun must be inspected by the police once a year. To renew license, gun owners must retake the class and sit an exam every three years.

Abe’s killing could likely change the way Japan has been looked at, a safe place where security is very relaxed. During election campaigns in the past as well, politicians have been seen standing on street corners giving speeches and shaking hands with shoppers and passers-by – something that could change with the latest incident.

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Police arrested a 41-year-old man identified as Tetsuya Yamagami. During questioning, he told police that he was frustrated with Abe and intended to kill him.