A prototype has already been tried during police training sessions. It looks like a handgun and fires a five square metre net.
Japanese officers are trained in martial arts but believe they may needsomething extra to control European football fans because of their physical
bulk.
Masatsugu Oi, of the World Cup security division, told the South China Morning Post: "Japanese youths are bigger these days, but still nothing compared to Europeans.
"Of course, martial arts form an important part of our training, but if you take the size and power factor into consideration, the nets could be more effective."
Police in Sapporo have been testing the net-firing gun and believe it will trap offenders effectively. Several World Cup matches will be played in the city in early June.
Japanese officers are trained in martial arts but believe they may needsomething extra to control European football fans because of their physical
bulk.
Masatsugu Oi, of the World Cup security division, told the South China Morning Post: "Japanese youths are bigger these days, but still nothing compared to Europeans.
"Of course, martial arts form an important part of our training, but if you take the size and power factor into consideration, the nets could be more effective."
Police in Sapporo have been testing the net-firing gun and believe it will trap offenders effectively. Several World Cup matches will be played in the city in early June.