Client Testimonials

We have been privileged to serve collectors across dozens of countries over the past twenty years. Here, in their own words, is what some of them had to say.

20th Anniversary Tribute

“It is with great pleasure that I join in the celebrations to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Unique Japan. I have known Pablo since 2014, when we first met during one of his visits to Tokyo. At that time my interest in samurai culture had been growing, and I reached out to learn more about what he was doing at Unique Japan. Pablo was very kind and patient with me. He spent a great deal of time showing me many different swords and explaining the characteristics of different schools and swordsmiths – a great education and genuinely stimulating.

Over the years, even with Pablo in the UK and myself in Japan, we have built a strong relationship. On every occasion Pablo visited Japan, and whenever I travelled to the UK, we met and talked. Pablo has become not only a sword dealer but a good friend – someone I can talk to about swords, business, and life in both countries.

Pablo is extremely knowledgeable about samurai swords, fittings and koshirae, and displays a passion I have not seen in any other individual I have met in the samurai world. His attention to detail is unmatched, and his appreciation of the beauty of each blade is very impressive and genuinely addictive.

Pablo also has one other impressive ability – the way he presents Unique Japan to encourage curious people into the samurai world. His website is the best currently available in the sword business, and each UJ catalogue he produces is a cultural delight. Once again, the attention to detail is unmatched.

As I am based in Japan, I have also been able to build a very good relationship with the Unique Japan team. Ayumu and Yuki are very capable people who, under Pablo’s guidance, run operations from the Tokyo office efficiently and professionally. Ayumu is my main point of contact in Tokyo. His English ability is very good and he is always extremely accommodating – doing whatever he can to make the UJ experience a pleasant one. Since joining Unique Japan, Ayumu has also transformed the office: swords are all well labelled and easily identified, all fittings are catalogued and accessible. He manages koshirae builds and sayagaki commissions, and is always impeccably prepared for client visits.

I consider myself very fortunate to have met Pablo and his team, as they have certainly opened my eyes to the wonders of sword construction and the history of the samurai. Congratulations to Pablo and his team for providing such a fantastic experience for 20 years. I am sure that with such great people and service, Unique Japan will grow from strength to strength.”

Nick – Tokyo, Japan

“My amazing journey with Japanese swords and Pablo started around 2014. I was surfing the web for Japanese sword information and happened upon the Unique Japan website and sent a question. A few days later I had a great talk with Pablo – me being a novice, he explained everything, put me at ease, and a few days later I had my first Japanese sword: an amazing Shodai Tadakuni. In 2016, on a trip to Japan, I set up a meeting, viewed some beautiful swords at their studio in Tokyo and purchased my first Jûyô katana from Unique Japan.

Since then I have purchased multiple swords and used the polishing and shinsa services many times. The Unique Japan staff and Pablo are amazing – easy to work with, professional and very trustworthy. Whenever I have a question, need help with a tang translation, or just some wisdom, Pablo has always been available. Not being a Japanese speaker, I find the UJ website very user friendly and easy to navigate. The catalogues are very informative and the pictures are spectacular.

If you are looking for a trustworthy long-term relationship, I would not look anywhere else to buy a piece of Japanese history.”

K.B. Raif, MD – Illinois, United States

“The Norikatsu is absolutely breathtaking. As a Mito school aficionado, this is beyond a dream sword. The jihada and shape are fantastic and the nakago is the absolute perfection I love to see in a finely crafted Mito piece. The sword feels quite alive in my hands and speaks volumes of history to me. The koshirae suits the sword perfectly – a fantastic and synergistic combination.

In my 25 years of collecting nihonto, this is the most amazing and well-orchestrated shipping and delivery I have ever seen. The package arrived in perfect order and was precisely packed – the meticulous labelling and wrapping of every item was extraordinary. I cannot express enough how amazingly pleased I am with your excellent and exquisite service.”

Eric – United States
Norikatsu Katana, Mito school (UJKA449 – Catalogue 42)

“Unique Japan is extraordinary. Their merchandise is superb and of the highest quality, prices are very competitive, and their customer service is second to none.

What is particularly remarkable about Unique Japan is their dedication to premium customer service at all times. From my first email, Mr. Kuntz has always treated me as if I were one of his close friends. He and his staff consistently deliver a finer product than expected, sooner than promised. I wholeheartedly recommend Unique Japan to everyone interested in fine Japanese antiques and collectibles.”

John Ringquist, MD – U.S. Navy

“The pictures just didn’t do justice to the sword or the koshirae. Truly stunning. Patience has its virtues and now I can honestly say the wait was worth it!

Thank you so much for all your professionalism in helping me acquire this sword. You and your whole team deserve so much credit for presenting the sword so accurately, walking me through the acquisition and building of the koshirae, submission to NTHK-NPO and finally, intact delivery. Please feel free to use me as a completely satisfied – and impressed – client and reference.”

Mike E. – Indianapolis, United States

“I am pleased to report that the Motohira Wakizashi arrived today. It is a very beautiful sword – such fine craftsmanship and just a wonderful work of art. I am very happy with everything you have done. I feel privileged to be able to care for this sword and it is my hope that one day I will pass it on to one of my sons and that its significance will be carried on from generation to generation.”

David B. – Saskatchewan, Canada

“Making these purchases was a leap of faith that has been consistently rewarded. Unlike what I imagine most Unique Japan customers to be like, I had no experience in antique swords and little to no experience with making substantial international purchases. Throughout the process, Pablo remained unwaveringly patient and professional. My endless questions and ruminations never exhausted his seemingly endless patience, and his enthusiasm and expertise were an integral part of making conducting business with him both educational and enjoyable.”

MCH – Northern California, United States

“Pablo not only is a remarkable expert in this field, but also he has a fantastic customer attitude. He helped me in my choice, providing all the information I needed with patience and kindness. The shipping was great – well packaged and fast. And the sword is wonderful. I strongly recommend Unique Japan if you are going to buy an authentic and precious piece of Japanese history.”

Antonio B. – Milano, Italy

“Pablo excels in customer service without limit to the date the purchase was made. Conducting business with Pablo extends beyond an investment – it will carry on into many happy years of customer satisfaction and peace of mind. When you purchase from Pablo you are buying more than just a sword – you are getting peace of mind and gaining a friend and sensei in the art of samurai swords.”

Jonah – Okinawa, Japan

“In what may be an odd comparison, the Koyama Munetsugu katana compares favourably with my treasured Martin D-35 guitar – it is extremely high quality and functional, yet without any excess or trivial adornments that would detract from its perfect ‘form is function’ presence.

The entire process has been professional and enjoyable. You truly understand customer service, and it is obvious you know and care about your products.”

JEG – Pennsylvania, United States
Former U.S. Army Officer

“The blade is beautiful, and everything you said it would be. Thank you so much.”

Louis Anzolut – New York, United States
Naotsugu Sunnobi-Tantô, late Edo period

“I have always had a place in my heart for Japanese culture and sometime in 2020 I found Unique Japan during my quest to find a collectable katana. Pablo earned my trust quickly even though we lived a world apart. After much due diligence I realised that Unique Japan was the real deal and that Pablo and his team were the ones I could trust with my decision and my money.

Finding the right sword is an act of introspection and reflection. One sword – a Nidai Ippô Katana from the 1600s – spoke to me. After some email dialogue Pablo and I spoke on the phone and I became convinced this was the sword that had captured my heart. The transaction was very smooth and transparent. It took months for the sword to arrive from Japan but the wait was worth it. When I opened the insanely well-packed box it revealed the exact sword pictured in the catalogue. A magnificent piece of ancient Japanese history was in my hands – one I cherish each day on the mantle next to my desk.”

Mark Cwetna
Nidai Ippô Katana, early Edo period

“Since meeting you I have spent a lot of time learning traditional Japanese swordsmanship and have been to Japan twice, visiting Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto – all the historical locations, and of course the home of Aikido. All inspired by your sword.

The sword still takes pride of place at my home, with a few modern additions – an old WWII sword left to me by my instructor, two training swords (one live blade), a rubbish copy my uncle gave me, and my training bokkens!”

Jon

“My first experience with Unique Japan was in August 2014 when I purchased my first two Japanese swords. One featured a fully custom koshirae with Edo-period fittings, and it was an absolute pleasure working with Pablo throughout the process – from selecting the theme and colours to bringing the entire vision to life.

What impressed me most was not only the quality and authenticity of the swords, but the care, passion, and knowledge Pablo brings to every detail. Since then I have continued to grow my collection and have now purchased a total of eight swords through Unique Japan, each with its own history, craftsmanship, and story spanning hundreds of years.

For me, these swords are far more than collector’s items. They are pieces of living history. Every blade carries a sense of connection to Japan’s culture, spirit, and craftsmanship that is difficult to put into words. Whether displayed in my home or carefully examined in hand, they constantly remind me of the incredible skill and dedication of the swordsmiths and artisans who created them generations ago.

Over the years the relationship has grown far beyond simply purchasing swords. We have had the privilege of getting to know Pablo personally, building a genuine friendship, meeting his family, and watching his children grow up. That personal connection makes the entire experience with Unique Japan even more meaningful and special.

The presentation and packaging from Unique Japan are also exceptional – everything arrives with a level of respect and care worthy of the pieces themselves. I can honestly say that working with Pablo and Unique Japan has been an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to continuing the journey for many years to come.”

Kim Broemer – Perth, Western Australia

“As someone passionate about nihonto, I had spent many years on a highly specific hunt: tracking down a katana or wakizashi forged by Musashi Taro Yasukuni. For those fascinated by Edo-period smiths, Yasukuni is a legendary figure – arguably the most accomplished apprentice of the great Omura Kaboku, and famous for his connection to the fictional tale of ‘The Sword of Doom.’

Following a tip from a friend in Australia, I finally located a genuine Yasukuni wakizashi held by a private dealer in Japan. However, I hit an immediate roadblock. The dealer was reserved, spoke limited English, and was understandably hesitant about exporting such a precious historical artefact to the UK. Knowing I needed expert insight and experience, I reached out to Pablo Kuntz.

Even though he was away on holiday at the time, Pablo responded immediately. His genuine passion for the art form shone through right away when he told me: ‘I want what’s best for you and the sword.’ True to his word, Pablo briefed his team in Japan to liaise directly with the dealer, smoothly bridging the language gap, ensuring the piece was properly vetted with the necessary NBTHK documentation, and navigating the complex legalities of international export.

Thanks to Unique Japan, the entire process was seamless, highly professional, and completely stress-free from start to finish. The Yasukuni wakizashi now forms one half of a treasured daishô in my small collection, where it is deeply cherished. I cannot recommend Pablo and his team highly enough to any collector seeking to bring a piece of Japanese history home. Wherever in the world home might be.”

Joel Uden – United Kingdom

“My first interaction with Unique Japan and Pablo was in 2014. I was in Tokyo with a friend and we were interested in buying a couple of swords – we found Unique Japan on the internet, had two meetings, bought a couple of swords, and the rest is history as they say.

Since then I have bought and sold swords through Unique Japan, had several koshirae built, and submitted swords for shinsa – achieving one Jûyô and one Tokubetsu Jûyô. I have visited their studio in Tokyo on numerous occasions and have found the staff, past and present, to be very courteous, attentive and helpful.

Pablo is – as we say in Australia – a good bloke, and I am happy to call him a friend. My dealings with him have always been open and honest. Working with Unique Japan is more a relationship than a business transaction. I cannot recommend Unique Japan and Pablo enough. It’s been a hell of a ride… thanks Pablo!”

Laurence – Brisbane, Australia

“Pablo and the Unique Japan team deserve the highest praise, and the quality bar shows in everything they do. They share high-resolution photographs of the blade and hamon under many different lighting configurations – which not even the major auction houses provide. They research each object deeply, from the heaviest blade to the tiniest menuki, with careful translations of sayagaki, origami and scholarship. The shipping and handling process is superb, with packaging that survives international transit flawlessly.

In short, they build a culture of learning, attention to detail, and trust that elevates the world of nihonto and art at large. Although I am new to this world, Pablo has taken great care to understand my preferences and wishes – with this level of personal human attention, it is easy to forget how many other clients he has. I am the happy owner of three beautiful swords thanks to Unique Japan, and I look forward to more in the coming years.”

Miguel O. – United States

“Working with Pablo and the Unique Japan team has been an absolute privilege. Their passion, expertise, and flawless communication made the acquisition of my two Japanese swords a truly memorable experience. From the historical insights to the meticulous packaging, every step reflected a deep respect for both the art and the client. Thank you, Pablo, for bringing these incredible pieces of history into my life.”

Aymeric – France

“I have purchased two antique Japanese katana from Unique Japan and could not be more pleased with the experience. The swords were authentic, accurately described, and arrived securely in excellent condition. Their expertise, honesty, and attention to detail made the entire process seamless.

Pablo and his team were professional, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the process. I highly recommend Unique Japan to collectors seeking quality antique Japanese swords and exceptional customer service.”

Kyle M. Covington – Los Angeles, United States

Would you like to share your own experience with Unique Japan? We would be honoured to hear from you. Please get in touch.