Type 89 parts kits? Eventually?

[DudeFromTheWest]

Since Japan is planning on replacing the Type 89 rifle (based on the AR-180) currently in service with the Type 20 (custom AR pattern rifle). I think it would be cool to see some of these kits on the market over here. Its just a pipe dream, but a man can hope I guess

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howa_Type_89

https://www.forgottenweapons.com/rifles/howa-type-89/

[Verdha603]

Unfortunately it just isn't going to happen, particularly because of Japan's very stringent military arms controls. Unless by some miracle Miroku or some other commercial arms manufacturer in the country can manage to get their hands on the parts before they're crushed and smelted, it's going to be a pipe dream.

Frankly you'd have a better chance convincing the Japanese government to sell copies of the blueprints/schematics for the Type 89 to a US entity and pray that somehow a US-based company will start making semi-auto only copies for a very small, niche market before you'll ever see parts kits leave Japanese borders.

[dfens]

Under Japans Three Principles Policy dating back to 1976 it's illegal to export any military grade firearm to any country including the United States.

So if the firearm was produced for the Military and is currently or was in use with their Self Defense Force then it has to stay within the borders of Japan forever.

Also they won't be destroyed they will still remain in service even long after they build enough of the Type 20 for most of their Military. They will be issued to reserves, non front line units, and for training purposes for many years to come. Hell they still have the Type 64 battle rifle being used to this day.