Buying a katana from Japan isn't as difficult as you think! (2023)

FAQs

Can an American buy a katana in Japan? ›

This gives many people the impression that it is difficult to purchase a Japanese sword from Japan. But, with a few exceptions, such as national treasures and important cultural properties, anyone in the world can buy a Japanese sword from Japan.

Customs and Border Protection does not prohibit the importation of swords, although your local police jurisdiction might have regulations restricting having these weapons in your home.

Any katana or samurai sword that you are hoping to purchase and bring home must have a torokusho. This is a license issued by the Education Board at a Toroku-shinsa-kaijo 登録審査会場 in Japan. This can be a timely process, but it's the only way you'll be able to legally bring a sword or katana home.

All authentic Japanese katanas are registered to the owner. If you buy from a broker, store or online, all you need to do is to fill up a change of ownership paper. It is not illegal to posses a katana.

Even today, katanas are covered by the Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law, which forbids carrying them out in the open. It's simple to get a permit to have one in your house because they are easily recognized as works of art, etc. But you can't carry one outside.

So, can you fly with a sword? The good news is that you can still fly with your sword. As explained on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, swords are prohibited from carry-on luggage but not "checked" luggage.

Can I bring these on board the aircraft? No swords (including replicas) or other weapons that could be used in a hijacking can be brought on board the aircraft. Please place them in your checked baggage.

Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

However, the katana also has some notable weaknesses as a weapon. One of the main limitations of the katana is its lack of versatility. The katana is primarily designed for cutting, and it is not as effective at thrusting or piercing as other types of swords.

The katana has a curved blade with a single edge, while the longsword has a straight blade with a double edge. The curved blade of the katana allows for faster and more agile cuts, while the straight blade of the longsword is better for thrusting and parrying.

Is there any sword better than katana? ›

The longsword is a longer, heavier sword with more stopping power, while the katana is a shorter, lighter sword with a stronger cutting edge.

North America (USA and Canada)

Legally Katana are lumped in the same category as knives and governed by state rather than federal laws, though as with knives, a collector must be over 18 years old OR have their parents implicit permission to buy or own a Katana.

An authentic handmade katana in Japan is called a nihonto. Often these cost around 10,000 to $25,000 and sometime even more. Basically, Katanas are expensive, and when it comes to an authentic samurai Katana, things get even more expensive.

An authentic Katana that is handmade in Japan is called nihonto. Often, these would usually cost around $12,000 to $25,000 and higher.

Yoshindo Yoshihara is considered the foremost present-day swordsmith in terms of both popularity and skill - a true genius. We interviewed Yoshihara, said to be the best swordsmith in Japan, who, even today, continues to protect the traditions and cultures of sword making.

The traditional katana sword is fashioned only from the purest steel, which the Japanese call tamahagane ("jewel steel").

Knives, etc.

Carrying knives or other restricted items into the cabin is a violation of Japan's Aviation Law and subject to a fine of up to JPY500,000.

You must carry your U.S. passport or Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Kado) with you at all times. In Japan, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport or Japanese residence card to show your identity and status in Japan (e.g., as a visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident).

Samurai Myth No.

Owning a katana is illegal for the ordinary Japanese citizen. Fact: Ordinary citizens in Japan have the right to own Japanese-made blades that are registered with the Nihon Token Kai (Japanese Sword Association). These swords must exhibit historical or cultural significance.

Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade longer than 5.5 cm (around two inches), is illegal in Japan. The same goes for swords, which are also illegal to carry in Japan without a special permit. If you wish to purchase a sword in Japan, consult with the shop to arrange shipment to your home country.

What can you not bring to Japan airport? ›

While these types of toys are generally permitted, we recommend that you pack them in your checked baggage. Squirt guns, Nerf guns, toy swords, or other items that resemble realistic firearms or weapons are prohibited.

Your intentions are pure when leaving for the airport, only to find the pocket knife you recently bought in your carry-on bag instead of your checked luggage. Once the TSA agent discovers that knife, frying pan, brass knuckle, or whatever prohibited item, expect them to confiscate it.

Experts say there are four ways to carry a katana on your back: The first would be the traditional way that some Ninjutsu masters still use today. This involves untying the sageo or cord from the saya or scabbard and using it to wrap around the body and tie the saya to the ninja; tsuka or handle end up.

One of the only TSA-approved tools that cuts is any pair of scissors with blades that are less than four inches long (measuring from the pivot point).

What if the knife is shorter than 2.36 inches? Knives are no longer allowed even if they are shorter than 2.36 inches. Can I bring a pocket knife on a plane? You can only bring a pocket knife in your checked baggage.

(a) Common and special purpose knives. Imported knives with a blade style de- signed for a primary utilitarian use, as defined in §12.95(c), shall be admitted to unrestricted entry provided that in condition as entered the imported knife is not a switchblade knife as de- fined in §12.95(a)(1).

Swords: Permitted in checked baggage only.

Checked Bags: Yes

Except for plastic or round bladed butter knives. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

Do katanas get dull fast? If you are actually using your katana it will eventually become dull. There are many ways for it to become dull and not all dullness is the same. The edge could have folded over, flattened, corroded, etc.

What katana does most physical damage? ›

5 Hand of Malenia

In stark contrast to the Meteoric Ore Blade, the Hand of Malenia is one of the longest Katanas in the game, and the hardest-hitting one to boot — at least in terms of physical damage.

A Katana can cut through bone if it's either very sharp or very heavy. If it's heavy, it doesn't so much cut as smash it's a way through bone; the force and mass involved overcome the ability of the bone to absorb impact and it breaks.

In rugged terrain, or in the mountain area, the ninja group may win. The ninja has better survival skills as a small group. If it is a large-group fight, the samurai can easily win. The ninja and the samurai usually collaborated.

Tachi, Katana: over 60.6 cm (more than two shaku) Wakizashi: between 30.3 and 60.6 cm (between one and two shaku) Tantō, Aikuchi: under 30.3 cm (less than one shaku)

Katana blades are mostly made from 1045, 1060 and 1095 carbon steel. 1045 carbon steel is the minimum acceptable standard for a katana sword. This specific type of metal can harden very well, but you'll want to upgrade to something tougher if you want a long-lasting blade.

The Honjō Masamune represented the Tokugawa shogunate during most of the Edo period and was passed down from one shōgun to another. It is one of the best known of the swords created by Masamune and is believed to be among the finest Japanese swords ever made. It was made a Japanese National Treasure (Kokuhō) in 1939.

Known for its unparalleled performance in battle, the Honjo Masamune is remembered as possibly the finest Japanese katana ever made. Its hardness and sharpness are said to be unmatched, making it the flagship sword of the legendary Masamune forge.

Simple a Katana is a light weapon. In the Japanese world anyway and is considered a fencing weapon along with the Rapier.

Possession of a cane sword could lead to criminal charges. Penal Code 20150 PC makes it a crime to possess, manufacture, sell, or give away a cane sword. Cane swords are illegal in California under Penal Code 20510 PC, which states that it is a criminal offense to manufacture, sell, import, give, or possess them.

The sword wins, cutting the bullet in two. And with no dents, scratches or nicks in the blade. Of course, the soft slug is hitting hard steel edge-on, but nonetheless it's nice to see some movie science that is actually true for a change.

Can you carry a Katana in Florida? ›

The statute prohibits any person from “having or carrying any dirk, sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon” and, in the presence of another person, exhibiting the weapon “in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, and not in necessary self-defense.”

When purchasing a Katana, you want to be sure the sword is full tang, which simply means the sword was crafted from one solid piece of metal and the handle is pinned on to the blade. We also suggest sticking with Carbon Steel when it comes to the makeup of the blade.

See more at the Wiktionary entry. The katana belongs to the nihontō family of swords, and is distinguished by a blade length (nagasa) of more than 2 shaku, approximately 60 cm (24 in).

The average weight is about 3.2lbs

The Japanese katana, a long thin blade, is made by repeatedly bending and forging a very pure metal called tamahagane.

Yoshihara Yoshindo is considered to be the greatest swordsmith alive.

For most beginning sword collectors, a sub $300 sword will definitely cut the mustard and can fulfill all of our starting requirements of the definition of an authentic Katana.

An authentic handmade katana in Japan is called a nihonto. Often these cost around 10,000 to $25,000 and sometime even more. Basically, Katanas are expensive, and when it comes to an authentic samurai Katana, things get even more expensive.

North America (USA and Canada)

Legally Katana are lumped in the same category as knives and governed by state rather than federal laws, though as with knives, a collector must be over 18 years old OR have their parents implicit permission to buy or own a Katana.

Can you own a Katana in the US ? Katanas are considered knives and governed as such by state laws, so it is perfectly legal. In the United States, you must be 18 years old or have clear parental permission before owning a Katana.

Are you allowed to own swords in Japan? ›

The purchase and ownership of certain swords within Japan is legal if they are properly registered, though the import and export of such items is tightly controlled, particularly in the case of items that might be labeled as national or cultural artifacts.

An authentic Katana that is handmade in Japan is called nihonto. Often, these would usually cost around $12,000 to $25,000 and higher. In general, swords are entirely on the expensive side, and when it comes to an authentic Samurai Katana, things get even more pricey.

When purchasing a Katana, you want to be sure the sword is full tang, which simply means the sword was crafted from one solid piece of metal and the handle is pinned on to the blade. We also suggest sticking with Carbon Steel when it comes to the makeup of the blade.

Cutting or thrusting weapons, including fencing foils. Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

As explained on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, swords are prohibited from carry-on luggage but not "checked" luggage. Swords, including katanas, rapiers, fencing foils, etc. must be checked at the gate, and they must be packaged properly to protect inspectors from injury.

Katana were used by samurai both in the battlefield and for practicing several martial arts, and modern martial artists still use a variety of katana.

The katana is the extreme single-edged cutting performer while the longsword is an excellent multitasker. Both are capable of numerous slashing, slicing, and stabbing techniques.

Under Tex. Penal Code § 46.01 (2012), it's legal to own and openly carry knives, along with throwing stars (and any other type of throwing knife), swords, spears, switchblade knives, pocket knives, and Balisongs (butterfly knives).

Which knives are illegal in New York? Possession of switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, cane swords, and “Kung Fu stars” is prohibited.

Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade longer than 5.5 cm (around two inches), is illegal in Japan. The same goes for swords, which are also illegal to carry in Japan without a special permit.

Can you ship a katana to California? ›

Some other than firearms are legal for open carrying, others less so. Some types of concealable swords, such as stick swords or Zatoichi-style katana, are illegal to buy, own, or transport in California and New York State.