The streets of Japan still aren't all that mean. Police often patrol neighborhoods on bicycles, spend much of their time talking to kids or giving directions, and were involved in just 11 shootouts last year. That's all year, nationwide. But times are changing. Amid an increase in street crime and violence directed at officers themselves, Japan's National Police Agency is seeking to upgrade its defensive arsenal, introducing sturdier clubs as standard equipment for... (GunPolicy.org)