Fig. 5-2-3-2 shows the trends of the use of weapons in the cleared cases of homicide, robbery, bodily injury, assault, intimidation, and extortion. Weapons include both items that are real weapons in nature such as firearms, swords and knives and items that can be used as weapons to kill or injure people such as clubs and ropes.
  The weapon use rate for homicide increased slightly in 1996 but has been at a high level within the range of 70% or over but below 90% for the entire period. Among weapons, firearms and swords have been less frequently used. The weapon use rate for robbery has been around the 50%-60% range. In the case of robbery, knives are frequently used.
  As for bodily injury and assault, the weapon use rate seems to be generally on the decline. In particular, the weapon use rate in respect to extortion, assault, and bodily injury was low, about 10% for extortion and assault and under 15% for bodily injury since 1996.
  As for intimidation, not only the weapon use rate but also the rate of use of knives is high compared with other violent offenses; therefore, it cannot be denied that intimidation would easily result in bodily injury or bodily injury resulting in death.

Fig. 5-2-3-2 Trends in the number of cases in which weapons were used and the weapon use rate