The Hyogo Prefectural Police said Wednesday that a U.S. tourist was arrested after he reported that he had inadvertently brought a handgun into Japan.
The 73-year-old was arrested on March 24 on suspicion of possessing a revolver at a terminal building at Kobe Port in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, on March 23.
Police have already sent papers on the case to prosecutors.
Hyogo police believe the handgun slipped through security procedures at Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture.
The man has said the gun was for self-defense and that he had packed the firearm by mistake.
Based on his statements, investigative authorities found three bullets in a trash can in a toilet at the port's terminal.
"While it is true that the man entered Japan via Kansai International Airport, we'll refrain from further comments due to the ongoing police investigation," an official at Osaka Customs said. »