Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the questions we receive most often from collectors at all levels of experience. If your question is not covered here, please get in touch — we are always happy to help.

Is it really possible to own a genuine Japanese sword that is 500 years old?

Yes – and it is more straightforward than most people expect. Every sword on our site is a genuine registered antique, fully legal to own and export. We have been placing these swords in private collections around the world since 2010. See our 5 Steps to Owning a Japanese Sword for a full walkthrough of the process.

How do I browse available swords?

Visit our Available Swords page. Each listing includes full photography and a downloadable PDF description containing detailed blade analysis, certification documentation and whatever history we have been able to uncover. Joining our VIP Email List gives you first access to new arrivals before they are released publicly.

How do I know which sword is right for me?

This is the question at the heart of collecting, and there is no shortcut. Read our 7 Points to Consider as a starting point. Think about the type (katana, wakizashi, tanto), the period, your budget, and whether you want a sword with koshirae or in shirasaya. Then reach out – we have matched collectors with swords for twenty years and are very good at understanding what someone is really looking for.

Can I request a sword that is not currently listed?

Yes. If you are looking for something specific – a particular smith, school, period or certification level – let us know. We have an extensive network in Japan and can often locate pieces that never appear on the open market. This is one of the genuine advantages of having boots on the ground in Tokyo.

Can I visit your studio in Tokyo?

Yes, by appointment only. Our studio is located in Meguro, convenient to both JR Meguro and Ebisu stations. If you are visiting Japan and would like a private viewing, please contact us at service@uniquejapan.com with at least two weeks’ notice.

What comes with the sword when I receive it?

Every sword from Unique Japan arrives with a maintenance kit, a bilingual English and Japanese care guide, silk brocade storage bags, a sword stand and a printed and bound copy of the sword’s full description – the same document you downloaded when you first discovered the piece. All certification documents are included and translated into English.

Do you offer a three-day inspection period?

Yes. If you are purchasing without having viewed the sword in person, you have three days from the date of delivery to examine it. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, it may be returned for a full refund of the purchase price. Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

How do I know the sword is genuine?

Every sword sold by Unique Japan is guaranteed authentic. All pieces carry certification from either the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai) or the NTHK-NPO (Nihon Token Hozon Kai) – Japan’s two most respected sword authentication organisations. Our own research, documentation and translation accompany every piece. We have been doing this for twenty years and our reputation depends entirely on the quality and honesty of what we sell.

What is the NBTHK and what do its certificates mean?

The NBTHK is the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword, founded in 1948 and headquartered in Tokyo. It operates a four-tier certification system: Hozon, Tokubetsu Hozon, Juyo Token and Tokubetsu Juyo Token. Each level reflects increasing degrees of scholarly consensus on the sword’s quality, attribution and historical significance. See our full NBTHK Certification Rankings page for a detailed explanation of each level.

What is the NTHK-NPO?

The NTHK-NPO (Nihon Token Hozon Kai) is an independent certification organisation founded in 1910, predating the NBTHK by nearly forty years. It issues three levels of certification: Shinteisho, Kanteisho and Yushusaku. Its Kanteisho certificates are notably detailed and carry the personal hanko (stamp) of each judging panel member. We use the NTHK-NPO regularly, particularly for fittings and koshirae submissions. See our NTHK-NPO Certification Rankings page for more.

Why does some sword have no certificate?

There are two main reasons. The most common is simply that the sword was never submitted – particularly among swords that left Japan during or after the Second World War and have been in Western collections ever since. The second reason is that it was submitted and failed – most commonly due to a false signature (gimei). If you are looking at an uncertified sword on a Japanese auction site, the honest reality is that this is frequently the case. All swords sold by Unique Japan carry valid certification.

What is a sayagaki and does it matter?

A sayagaki is a scholarly inscription written directly on the shirasaya (storage scabbard) by a recognised expert, recording the sword’s attribution, period, and the scholar’s assessment. A sayagaki by a respected figure such as the late Tanobe Michihiro (former Senior Managing Director of the NBTHK) adds considerable scholarly and historical value to a piece. Not all swords have one, but when present it is an important and meaningful addition to the documentation.

What payment methods do you accept?

All purchases are settled by bank transfer. We do not accept credit or debit cards. We offer two convenient options: Wise (our preferred method – fast, simple, available in most currencies) and HSBC Hong Kong wire transfer. Full payment details are provided on your invoice.

What currencies do you accept?

USD for most international clients, GBP for UK clients, and EUR for European clients. For Japan-based service work (koshirae projects, shinsa submissions, polishing) invoices are issued in JPY through our Japanese company.

How are swords priced?

Prices are in USD and reflect the sword’s certification level, period, smith ranking, condition and koshirae. At Unique Japan, NBTHK Hozon pieces generally start from around $5,000-$10,000. Tokubetsu Hozon swords typically range from $10,000 to $25,000. Juyo Token swords start from around $25,000. Tokubetsu Juyo Token swords command $120,000 and above. See our Budget section in 7 Points for more context.

Do you offer a layaway plan?

Yes – no-interest or low-interest instalment plans over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. A deposit secures the sword. This has allowed many collectors to acquire pieces they might otherwise have had to pass on. Please contact us to discuss terms. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

Is there a discount for paying by bank transfer?

Yes. Clients who settle in full by bank transfer receive a cash discount. Please enquire when you contact us about a specific sword.

How are swords packaged?

With extraordinary care. We are regularly told by clients that our packaging is the finest they have encountered from any dealer. A sword that has survived five hundred years deserves to travel well, and we take that seriously. Every sword is individually prepared for international transit.

How long does shipping take?

Once the export paperwork is complete (typically four weeks from full payment), swords are shipped via specialist international freight and courier services with full track and trace and insurance. Transit to most destinations takes between five and ten business days from Japan. Local customs clearance may add additional time in some countries.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. We take pride in our ability to navigate even the most logistically challenging destinations, working with our specialist freight network. If you have a specific concern about your country, please ask us before purchasing.

What if my sword is damaged in transit?

All shipments are insured to the declared value. In the event of damage, do not disturb the packaging – photograph everything exactly as received and contact us immediately at service@uniquejapan.com. We will manage the insurance claim from our side. Full damage reporting procedure is in our Terms and Conditions.

Is it legal to export an antique Japanese sword?

Yes – with very few exceptions. The only swords that cannot leave Japan are those designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government – approximately 110 swords in total. Every other registered sword can be legally exported, and we handle this process for every client as standard.

Who handles the export paperwork?

We do – at no additional charge to the client. This includes registering the change of ownership and obtaining the necessary export permit from the relevant Japanese authorities. It typically takes around four weeks from the time payment is received in full.

What import duties will I pay?

This varies by country. United States clients currently pay a tariff of approximately 10%. UK clients pay 5% Import VAT. German clients pay 19% VAT. Regulations in other countries vary – please check with your local customs authority before purchasing. We will advise you on the expected costs for your country before the sword ships.

What is a torokusho?

The torokusho is the sword’s Japanese registration certificate – its official passport. It documents the blade’s length, curvature, number of holes in the tang and any signature present. Every sword we sell is fully registered and its torokusho is included with the piece. We handle all ownership transfer formalities on your behalf as part of the export process.

Can you submit my sword to the NBTHK for certification?

Yes – this is one of our most valued services, and we offer it for swords purchased from us and from other sources. We manage the entire process: importing the sword to Japan if needed, securing the online reservation (slots are limited and fill quickly), physical submission at the NBTHK, collecting results and arranging feedback from a judge, and translating the certificate into English. See our Application Process section for full details.

Can you build a custom koshirae for my sword?

Yes. We have built more custom koshirae than any other dealer in Japan – from straightforward individual pieces to elaborate thematic daishô sets. The process typically takes a year or more, but the results are extraordinary. Visit our Koshirae Gallery for examples. To discuss a project please get in touch.

Do you offer polishing services?

Yes. We work with top-level polishers in Japan and can arrange polishing for swords purchased from us or brought to us from elsewhere. A proper polish by a skilled togishi is one of the most transformative things that can happen to a blade. Please contact us to discuss your sword’s needs and we will advise on the appropriate level of work.

Can you arrange a sayagaki?

Yes, subject to qualifying conditions. We work with recognised scholars and calligraphy artists for sayagaki inscriptions. Please contact us to discuss your sword and we will advise on whether it is a suitable candidate and which scholar would be most appropriate.

Do you handle sword repairs and restoration?

Yes. Our full service menu covers shirasaya making, habaki making, koshirae repair, lacquerwork, tsuka-maki (handle re-wrapping), oshigata, sword boxes and more. See our Services page for the complete list.

What are the Gokaden – the Five Traditions?

The Gokaden (five traditions) are the five great regional schools of Japanese swordmaking that dominated the koto period. They are: Yamashiro (Kyoto – refined, elegant, associated with smiths like Rai Kunitoshi and Awataguchi Yoshimitsu), Yamato (Nara – austere, spiritual, masame hada), Bizen (Okayama – prolific, choji hamon, the largest school), Soshu (Kamakura – powerful, nie-rich, associated with Masamune and Go Yoshihiro) and Mino (Gifu – practical, efficient, sanbon sugi hamon). Understanding the Gokaden is one of the most useful foundations for studying nihonto.

What are the main periods of Japanese sword production?

The four main periods are: Koto (old swords, up to approximately 1600) – the most sought-after era, particularly the Kamakura period. Shinto (new swords, 1600-1780) – early Edo period, technically accomplished. Shinshintoò (new-new swords, 1781-1868) – a conscious revival of koto traditions. Gendaito (modern swords, 1868-present) – traditionally made swords by living smiths. See our 7 Points, Point 3 for more detail.

What do Fujishiro rankings mean?

Fujishiro Yoshio’s Nihon Toko Jiten rates approximately 1,500 swordsmiths on a five-tier scale: chu-saku (average), chu-jo-saku (above average), jo-saku (superior), jojo-saku (highly superior) and saijo-saku (grandmaster). Only 65 smiths achieved saijo-saku. Crucially, these ratings are contextual – a smith is rated relative to his own school and period, not against all smiths in history. See our full Fujishiro Rankings page.

What is a naginata-naoshi?

A naginata was a long-hafted curved battlefield weapon. As tactics changed, many were shortened and remounted as wakizashi or katana – this conversion is called a naginata-naoshi. Far from being a lesser sword, a well-executed naginata-naoshi retains all the qualities of the original steel. As the famous saying goes: Naginata-naoshi ni namakura nashi – no sword made from a naginata is dull.

What is the difference between a tachi and a katana?

Both are long swords, but they differ in how they were worn, when they were made, and – crucially – how they are signed. The tachi is older, primarily Heian and Kamakura period, worn slung from the belt with the edge downward, used on horseback. The katana emerged in the Muromachi period, worn thrust through the belt with the edge upward, suited to infantry combat and quick-draw techniques.

The signing convention follows the wearing convention. A smith always signs on the side of the tang that faces outward when the sword is worn in its intended manner. For a tachi – worn edge-down – the signature faces outward on that side. For a katana – worn edge-up – the signature faces outward on the opposite side. This is why tachi signatures and katana signatures appear on different faces of the tang. When a tachi has been shortened and remounted as a katana over the centuries, the signature ends up on what appears to be the inside face when worn as a katana – a tell-tale sign to any experienced eye that the sword began its life as a tachi. Tachi are displayed edge-down; katana are displayed edge-up. See 7 Points, Point 2 for a full overview of sword types.

What is tamahagane?

Tamahagane – literally “jewel steel” – is the raw material from which Japanese swords are made. It is produced in a clay furnace called a tatara using iron sand and charcoal, in a process virtually unchanged for over a thousand years. The varying carbon content of the resulting steel bloom is essential to the differential hardening process that gives Japanese swords their extraordinary cutting ability. See How Does a Japanese Sword Get So Hard and Sharp? for the full story.

What is the hamon and why is it important?

The hamon is the temper line – the visible boundary between the hard martensitic cutting edge and the softer body of the sword. It is formed during the yaki-ire quenching process and is one of the most studied elements of a Japanese blade. Within and around the hamon lies a world of fine activity – nie, nioi, kinsuji, sunagashi – that rewards patient study under good light. The hamon is both a functional record of the hardening process and one of the great aesthetic expressions in Japanese art. See our Glossary for terminology.

How do I clean and maintain my sword?

Every sword from Unique Japan comes with a bilingual maintenance kit and care guide covering everything you need to know. The essentials: oil the blade regularly with uchiko powder and choji oil, handle with care (fingerprints cause rust), store in the shirasaya in a dry environment, and never leave the blade exposed for extended periods. If in doubt, contact us – we are always happy to advise.

How should I store my sword?

In its shirasaya, in a dry, stable environment away from direct sunlight and humidity extremes. The magnolia wood of the shirasaya absorbs moisture and protects the steel – this is why we refer to it as the sword’s humidor. A sword box with humidity control is recommended for particularly dry climates.

Can I display the sword out of its shirasaya?

Yes – on a proper katana-kake (sword stand), which is included with every sword from Unique Japan. A sword on display should be checked and oiled regularly – more frequently than one in storage. A displayed sword is a joy; a neglected one can develop rust surprisingly quickly.

How often should I have my sword polished?

A properly maintained sword in good polish should not need re-polishing for many years. If you notice rust spots, a dull surface or areas of concern, contact us before attempting any treatment yourself. An inappropriate polish can cause irreversible damage to a blade. We can arrange professional assessment and polishing through our Tokyo studio.

Is it true you were the voice of Albert Wesker in the original Resident Evil?

It is absolutely true. In 1995 I was working as a freelance actor and model in Tokyo, and I was cast as the original voice of Albert Wesker in Resident Evil (Biohazard), released by Capcom in March 1996. I had no idea at the time that Wesker would become one of the most iconic villains in video game history or that Resident Evil would grow into one of the most successful franchises in the world. I keep in touch with the Resident Evil community primarily through my son Lex’s YouTube channel, Lexonal, where he plays the RE games and I sit back and commentate. Great fun.

I heard you are a big Neil Diamond fan – what are your favourite songs?

Guilty as charged. For me it has to be I Am… I Said, Stones, Holly Holy, Play Me and Canta Libre. And Sweet Caroline, of course – you simply cannot argue with Sweet Caroline. Neil Diamond understood something about the emotional directness of a great song that very few writers ever master. There is also, I think, a parallel with Japanese swords – both reward patient attention and reveal more the longer you stay with them.

You lived in Japan for nearly twenty years – what do you miss most?

The food, without question. But also the particular quality of life in Tokyo – the discipline, the craftsmanship, the way people take pride in doing things properly, however small. That sensibility is what drew me to Japanese swords and it is what keeps me connected to Japan even now that I am based in Southend-on-Sea in England. I travel back regularly and it always feels like coming home.

What was the first sword you ever sold?

Honestly, I do not remember the exact piece – but I remember the feeling. The first sword show was on Yokota Air Base in April 2010, and I remember thinking that this was what Unique Japan was supposed to be. The kitchen knives had been good to us, but swords were the thing. Twenty years later, I stand by that instinct every single day.