The UK is set to enforce a ban on ninja swords starting on August 1st. Under the “Ronan Law,” individuals found in possession of ninja swords in private areas could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

Introduced in response to the killing of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda with a ninja sword (katana) in 2022, the “Ronan Law” will come into effect on August 1st in the UK.

In a written statement from the UK Home Office, it was announced that as of August 1st, owning, selling, producing, or importing ninja swords will be illegal. Those found with ninja swords in private areas could face up to 6 months in prison, but this sentence could be extended to 2 years under the Crime and Police Act. Additionally, ninja swords can be surrendered to police stations as part of an initiative set to begin in July. The Ronan Law was implemented in memory of Ronan Kanda, who was killed by teenagers using a series of knives and a blade ordered online without age or identity verification on the day of the attack.

“We Fought Tirelessly for This Ban” Ronan’s mother, Pooja Kanda, expressed in a statement regarding the decision, saying, “Today is a very important day for us. After losing our son Ronan, we fought tirelessly for the ban on ninja swords.” In an announcement made in August 2024, the UK Home Office called for the surrender of zombie knives and blades banned for sale and possession throughout England and Wales by September 23, 2024. The announcement reiterated that possession of one-sided sharp, serrated zombie knives and small blades in the form of swords would be prohibited from September 24 onwards. Previous decisions in the country had already banned sharp tools like samurai swords, butterfly knives, and push daggers (katar).