Japanese National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export Firearm Components and Tactical Accessories to Japan

HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Shota Yamamoto, 29, of Tokyo, Japan, pled guilty today in federal court to conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act. Sentencing is set for June 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Micah W.J. Smith.

According to court records, from approximately March 2024 through July 2025, Yamamoto conspired with another person to export firearm components and tactical accessories from the United States to Japan without the required licenses.  Yamamoto intended to use those items to retrofit airsoft equipment for sale to airsoft enthusiasts in Japan seeking highly realistic equipment. Airsoft is a recreational activity in which participants use replica firearms to engage in simulated combat scenarios using non-metallic pellets.

Yamamoto used an address in Hawaii to receive shipments from U.S. firearms components and accessories dealers, and then arranged for their export to Japan, either by carrying them in checked luggage or by shipping them through a commercial shipping company.  Yamamoto admitted that he exported or attempted to export over 900 firearms components and accessories, including AR-15 lower receiver parts kits, upper receivers, magazines, and similar components, each of which required a license to export that Yamamoto did not have.

Yamamoto faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a period of supervised release of up to three years.

Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.