14 DAY TRIAL // Apple chief executive officer and co-founder, Steve Jobs reportedly said he is never coming back to Japan after having his ninja throwing stars confiscated by airport security, on his way out of the country, following a quiet vacation near Kyoto with his family.
Citing the most recent edition of SPA! magazine, Cult of Mac points out to a translation by F’ed Gaijan, which reveals that “the temperamental Apple founder apparently became furious when passing through security at the Kansai Airport on his way out of the country after a quiet vacation near Kyoto with his family.”
Japanese security reportedly found ninja throwing stars, known as shuriken, in his carry-on luggage, “and insisted upon confiscating them,” the report notes.
A shuriken is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used by the ninja for throwing, and sometimes stabbing or slashing.
Shuriken are made from a variety of everyday items such as needles, nails, and knives, as well as coins, washers, and other flat plates of metal.
Modern shuriken, however, are most often made of stainless steel and are commercially available in many knife shops in Europe and North America or online.
Steve Jobs apparently wanted the real thing.
According to Wikipedia, they are illegal to possess or carry in many countries. Such territories include Canada and Germany.
In America, states like Indiana and California strictly prohibit them.
In some cases they may be allowed, but still subject to specific local legislation. Owners may be required to possess a certificate for shuriken.
According to the news, Kansai Airport does not have any procedures in place for dealing with VIPs and private jets, therefore Apple’s CEO was forced to go through security in a manner similar to everyone else.
SPA! magazine said Steve Jobs turned red with anger, as the following words came out of his mouth:
“I’m hardly planning to hijack my own private jet! What a country! I’m never coming back!”