Can you legally own a sword in Japan?

Only swords made from traditional Tamahagane steel and made by licensed sworsmiths and antique Japanese swords are legal to own in Japan. Swords with aluminum alloy blades are not considered real swords and they don’t need to be registered.

Do you need a license to own a sword in Japan?

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. A certificate of authenticity and ownership permit are necessary.

Do you need a permit to carry a sword around?

But not only is it legal to openly carry a sheathed sword, it’s the law. Any kind of concealment for bladed weapons is a misdemeanor. Bladed weapons in most states where they are legal to carry, are usually illegal if they’re longer than five inches. Concealed blades, like cane swords, are always illegal.

Can you carry a samurai sword in Japan?

But the famous Japanese swords have actually been banned in public since 1876, when the Meiji restoration abolished the warrior class. Even today, katanas are covered by the Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law, which forbids carrying them out in the open.

Can you make your own Katana in Japan?

Under Japanese law, it takes five years of training under an established sword smith before an apprentice can begin to make his own katana.

Can I buy a katana in Japan?

In fact, there are still places where you can get your hands on real katana swords. For fans of authentic Japanese swords, you can get real katana swords in Tokyo if you know where to look! Here are some shops in Tokyo that sell or display authentic katana samurai swords: The Samurai Store.

Why is it illegal to own a sword in Japan?

Japan has a tough law that prevents homicide effectively, namely the Japanese Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law (銃刀法剣類所持等取締法). According to this law, any sword, even a fake replica, whose length is above 15 centimeters is strictly prohibited to either be possessed or carried in Japan.