5 Steps to Owning a Japanese Sword

One of the most common questions I receive from people who discover Unique Japan for the first time is simply this: “Is it really possible to own a genuine Japanese sword that is five hundred years old and have it shipped to my door?”

The answer is yes – and the process is more straightforward than most people expect. Below are the five steps involved, from selecting your sword to the moment it arrives in your home.

Becoming the owner of a Japanese sword is a personal journey. There is a saying in Japan that “the spirit within the sword always chooses its rightful owner.” After nearly twenty years of dealing in Japanese swords, there is great truth in this expression.

First, browse our available swords and download the PDF description for any piece that interests you. Each PDF contains vivid photography of the blade, fittings and all certification documentation, along with whatever history we have been able to uncover and share. At Unique Japan we have built a reputation for the depth of research and detail we put into every sword we present – because each piece deserves to be described properly, and you deserve to know as much as possible about the sword you are considering. If you have questions, please reach out directly. There are no silly questions when it comes to a decision like this.

Joining our VIP Email List is the best way to be notified when new swords are released, often before they appear publicly on the site. Many of our finest pieces find homes within the first few days of release. And many sword top-end Tokubetsu Jûyô swords sold privately even before they are released.

Be sure to read: 7 Points to Consider When Choosing Your Japanese Sword

Once you have identified a sword you would like to acquire, contact me to place what I can a ‘serious hold’ on it (service@uniquejapan.com) as soon as possible. This secures your first option to purchase while we discuss the details. Details such as the shipping address, a potential custom koshirae, touch-up polishing, sayagaki services, maybe extra shinsa services, all of which should be done prior to the sword being shipped.

Payment

Payment for the Japanese sword is made by bank wire transfer to our company ‘MARCHFORTH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED’. We partner with the following banks: HSBC (HK) and Wise (Globally). Typically clients settle a 50% deposit and the following 50% when the export permit arrives, normally within a month’s time. Although we list in USD, we can also work in Euros for our European clients and GBP for those in the UK. Settling in local currency can makes importation a little easier.

Given the cost of swords, payment can be spread out over a few months if required. I am open to working out a favourable arrangement for both of us.

By the way, my birthday is March 4th, thus the company name.

Once payment is received, the export process begins. Every sword sold by Unique Japan can be legally owned and exported outside of Japan – with the exception of a small number of swords designated as Japanese National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, which we do not handle.

We manage all registration and exportation paperwork on your behalf, at no charge. This is a service we provide as standard for every client – the process involves submitting the sword for official export registration with the relevant Japanese authorities, and typically takes around four weeks to complete. Once the export permit is in hand, the sword is ready to ship.

For clients based in Japan, we will notify the relevant prefectural government of the new ownership and registered address on your behalf.

We have successfully shipped hundreds of swords to clients around the world over the years. Each sword is packed with considerable care – we are often complimented on our packaging, and that is not by accident. A sword that has survived five hundred years deserves to travel well.

Shipments are sent by our network of specialist shippers. There are some complexities shipping a Japanese sword given the item itself, but we have the experience and expertise to absolutely make it to your door. A shipping plan will be communicated personally for every client, including import duties/taxes (as below), so all is clear. An adult signature is required upon delivery.

Import duties/tariffs by country:

Every sword from Unique Japan is delivered with a complimentary maintenance kit, a bilingual English and Japanese care guide covering cleaning, storage and display, brocade storage bags, and a printed and bound copy of the sword’s full description – the same document you downloaded when you first discovered the piece. That last item matters more than it might seem. Years from now, when the sword is on display in your home and a guest asks about it, everything is right there in your hands – the history, the smith, the signature and certificate translations, descriptions of the fittings all captured by beautiful photography. We put considerable thought into what it means to receive a sword properly, and in our opinion no other dealer comes close to the package our clients receive.

From this point forward, you are the latest caretaker of an object that has endured for centuries and will endure for centuries more. That is not a small thing. We hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought us.

If you have any questions at any stage of the process – before, during or after your purchase – please do not hesitate to contact us. We aim to respond within 24 hours.

We completely understand that purchasing a sword of this significance based on photography and description requires a considerable degree of trust. We take that seriously. All swords come with a three-day inspection period upon arrival – if for any reason you are not fully satisfied, the sword may be returned and we will refund your payment in full.

We look forward to serving you.

Pablo Kuntz
Founder, Unique Japan