An increase in the discovery of handguns has been noted in Japan, originating primarily from the possessions of ex-military personnel. As families sort through the belongings of their retired or deceased loved ones, they are finding these weapons, raising concerns over their origins and responsible disposal. This surprising trend is causing alarm, as firearm possession in Japan is heavily regulated and these unexpected discoveries are challenging existing laws and systems.

In Japan, gun control is taken very seriously with strict laws ensuring civilian firearm possession is rare. The discovery of these weapons, hence, highlights concerns over how they were obtained and why they were kept hidden. Given the strong public safety ethos, discussions are focused on how to manage these discoveries and what can be done to prevent similar situations in the future.

In contrast to Japan, the US and many EU countries have more permissive gun control laws. In the US, firearm ownership is often seen as a constitutional right, and in parts of the EU, although regulated, it's more common for civilians to own hunting weapons. In these regions, the discovery of previously unknown firearms would not be as significant an issue.