if i go to japan as a tourist then i find a tradiotional katana makin blacksmith and can i buy a katana from him and do i need somekin of sword owning japanese permit for that and is it possible to bring it from japan to usa ?
2006-12-14 08:55:36 · 6 answers · asked by dude 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
You need authorization from the police to possess a sword, but that's a perfunctory thing. You go to the police station and fill out a form and then you are good. You may also need a document that certifies that the sword is not a important cultural object in order for it to leave the country. The Ministry of Education handles that. Basically anyone who is in a position to sell you a sword could help you with the documentation. To buy a new sword you are probably talking at least $20000.
Actually-the US is good place to buy a katana as many were taken home as souvenirs during the occupation, whereas huge numbers of swords were melted down in Japan.
2006-12-14 15:54:54 · answer #1 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes you will need a permit but it's easy enough to get one through the Japanese customs service.
The others are right when they say it will cost an arm and a leg.
A traditional Katana can take three men months to complete as it is a slow painful process. I watched it being done for about an hour and saw no visible difference in the sword. (It was still interesting to watch)
When I was there a traditional blade was about 1,000,000 yen (10,000 USD) but you got to choose the handle design and the stand it goes on.
If this all sounds too much you can buy a good replica for 50,000 yen (50 USD). Its not the real thing but it still looks good. As a bonus you won't need a permit to take one home.
2006-12-14 18:52:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You will need to pay import taxes on the Katana in order to bring it into the US.
2006-12-14 17:03:26 · answer #3 · answered by DimensionalStryder 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, you need a special permit to own a real katana.
2006-12-14 17:00:29 · answer #4 · answered by wuzaracer 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
oh I remember similar questions a few month ago.
They(American and European) succeeded to bring it back.
I think you can. but I forgot the procedure. sorry.
Maybe you better consult, FeDEX, DHL or Nippon Express?
2006-12-15 07:01:47 · answer #5 · answered by Joriental 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
imagine it'll cost you an arm and a leg to purchase
2006-12-14 17:55:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋