America's 'culture of violence' makes me wonder about Japan. I understand that Japan has an extremely violent literature, from comic books on, and yet their violent crime rate is low.

According to Wikipedia: "Ownership of handguns is forbidden to the public, hunting rifles and ceremonial swords are registered with the police, and the manufacture and sale of firearms are regulated. The production and sale of live and blank ammunition are also controlled, as are the transportation and importation of all weapons."

Why do I think of committed crimes in America as being heavily influenced by our constant exposure to violent content featured in our media, and in our literature and movies when the same thing apparently does not happen in Japan?

Is it perhaps due to the easy availability of firearms in America and the relatively difficult access to them in Japan?

And if so, how does that affect our 'good guy' proponents' views on the right to carry?