Are your swords authentic Japanese blades?

Yes. We sell only authentic Japanese swords, each crafted from Japanese tamahagane steel using techniques handed down over centuries. We never sell mass-produced replicas.

Do your swords come with certification?

Where applicable, our swords are accompanied by official documentation verifying their authenticity, provenance, and historical value. Even for swords without papers, we carefully select only pieces we can confidently recommend based on our own expertise — each one holds genuine historical value.

What is a Japanese sword?

The term “Japanese sword” is a general term for swords crafted using methods unique to Japan. These swords are characterized by the use of a special type of steel called “tamahagane,” the “folded forging” technique, a curved blade, and a cutting edge on only one side. Production began around the Heian period, and these swords have been treasured not only as weapons but also as beautiful works of art. Tamahagane refers to high-quality iron with few impurities, carefully selected and processed using Japan’s unique methods.

Are the Japanese swords you sell made in Japan?

We only carry authentic Japanese swords made in Japan.

Do you source your swords directly from Japan?

Yes. Every sword we handle is sourced within Japan, acquired through professional appraisal from trusted collectors, dealers, and markets — with no unnecessary middlemen between us and you.

Can you arrange an appraisal for an unpapered sword?

Yes. As full members of the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (NBTHK), we can apply for an appraisal on your behalf upon request.

Is a Japanese sword without certification (an unpapered sword) a fake?

Not necessarily — this is not a simple yes-or-no question, because certification is an expert opinion, and opinions can differ from one appraisal body to another and even change over time. There are documented cases where a blade appraised and given a sayagaki inscription by a renowned authority such as Satō Kanzan later received a very different judgment from the NBTHK; unpapered swords submitted for appraisal are sometimes judged inauthentic; and blades once deemed forgeries have, on re-submission years later, been certified as genuine (shōshin). Every Japanese sword begins its life unpapered, so whether a piece is genuine can only be confirmed by submitting it for formal appraisal. An unpapered sword is therefore not automatically a fake — it is simply one that has not yet been formally judged. At japanesesword.net we carefully select every sword based on our own expertise, provide papers where certification exists, and, as NBTHK members, can arrange an appraisal on your behalf for an unpapered blade.

What is a shirasaya mount?

A shirasaya is a plain wooden handle and scabbard designed to protect and preserve the blade. It is used for storage and for appreciating the sword itself, rather than for handling or display in fittings.

How are your swords priced?

The price of a Japanese sword depends on several factors — its age and era, condition, length, the swordsmith, and whether it carries certification. Demand and a smith's popularity in the market also play a part. Each piece is assessed individually. If you'd like guidance on swords within a particular budget, please contact us and we'll be glad to help.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept PayPal and major credit cards through our online checkout.

Bank transfer is also available on request. If you'd prefer to pay by bank transfer, please contact us with your name, address, phone number, email, and your order details, and we will send you an invoice with our bank details separately.

Can I return a sword after purchase?

As a rule, we do not accept returns, since each sword is a unique piece that requires an export permit for international delivery. If an item was sent in error on our part, we will of course make it right. In rare, exceptional circumstances a return may be considered on a case-by-case basis, with conditions discussed individually. We warmly encourage you to ask us anything before you buy, so you can order with full confidence.

Can I order a custom-made sword from a modern swordsmith?

Yes. We arrange custom orders (chumon-uchi) with contemporary swordsmiths, and you can place an order directly from our Newly Forged Katana collection, where the options you choose affect the final price. Because each blade is made to order, production typically takes around one year, and both the price and timeline depend on the swordsmith and specifications.

To begin, we ask for a deposit of around 10% of the total. Once the sword is complete, you pay the remaining balance — in full or in installments — and we then start the export process. Please contact us with any questions; we're glad to guide you through it.

Can I pay the balance of a custom-ordered sword in installments before it is finished?

Yes. Because a custom-made sword (chumon-uchi) takes a year or more to complete, you're welcome to pay the remaining balance in installments during that time, after the initial deposit. In principle you can split the balance into as many payments as you like, but a very large number of small payments slows delivery and adds administrative work — so we usually plan around ten installments, or payments of roughly ¥100,000 each. We're glad to tailor a schedule that suits you, so just let us know your preference when you place your order.

Can I ask about a specific sword before buying?

Absolutely. If you have questions about a particular blade — its condition, certification, koshirae, or shipping to your country — please contact us and our specialists will be glad to help.

Can you export a sword to my country?

We ship worldwide and have decades of experience with international sword delivery. That said, some countries restrict or prohibit importing swords, so we recommend checking your local regulations first. See our Shipping to the USA, Shipping to Canada, Shipping to the UK, and Shipping to Europe pages, and feel free to contact us about your specific country.

After I buy a sword, how does it reach me?

Once your order is placed, we obtain the required export permit from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, then carefully package your sword and ship it with tracking and insurance. Because every sword needs an export permit, the full process takes a few weeks. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our article The Anatomy of a Tozando Purchase.

How should I handle and care for my sword?

A Japanese sword needs careful handling to stay in good condition. We've put together detailed guides on drawing and sheathing, maintaining, and preserving your sword.

Can I visit your stores in Kyoto?

Yes. We have three stores in Kyoto where you can see our swords in person. Our Shogoin and Gion-Yasaka stores welcome walk-ins (closed only during Obon in mid-August and the New Year holidays), while Gallery Tozando is by appointment until March 2027. For locations, hours, and maps, see our Visit Our Kyoto Stores page.

I own an antique Japanese sword. Will you buy it from me?

We do purchase Japanese swords, but only those located within Japan. A sword held outside Japan does not carry a Japanese registration certificate (torokusho), so buying it would first require importing the sword into Japan and completing the official registration process — which is complex and time-consuming. If your sword is already in Japan with a valid registration certificate, please contact us with details and photos, and we'll be glad to discuss it.

How soon will you reply to my inquiry?

We usually reply within 3 business days. If you don't hear from us, please check your spam folder, as our reply may occasionally be filtered there.

What is the difference between a katana, wakizashi, and tanto?

These are Japanese swords of different lengths. A katana is a long sword with a blade of about 60 cm or more, traditionally worn edge-up through the belt. A wakizashi is a shorter sword, roughly 30–60 cm, often worn together with a katana as a matched pair called daishō. A tanto is a dagger, generally under 30 cm. All three are made using the same traditional forging methods.

What is the difference between koto, shinto, shinshinto, and gendaito?

These terms describe the era in which a Japanese sword was made. Koto (“old swords”) refers to blades made up to around 1596. Shinto (“new swords”) covers roughly 1596 to 1763. Shinshinto (“new-new swords”) refers to blades from around 1772 to 1876, when the wearing of swords was later abolished. Gendaito (“modern swords”) refers to blades made from 1876 onward, including those forged by living smiths today. You can browse our swords by era in our antique collection.

Do I need a license to own a Japanese sword?

In Japan, no license or examination is required to own a Japanese sword; ownership is simply transferred by registering the change of owner. Outside Japan, laws vary by country, so we recommend checking your local regulations before purchasing. We have decades of experience shipping swords worldwide and can guide you through the process.

What is the difference between a real Japanese sword and a replica?

A genuine Japanese sword (nihonto) is forged by a licensed Japanese swordsmith from tamahagane steel and registered with the Japanese government — this is what we specialize in at japanesesword.net. It is entirely different from a decorative imitation, which is factory-made from materials such as stainless steel and holds no historical or artistic value; we never deal in these. (Iaito — the alloy practice swords used in the martial art of iaido — are a separate and legitimate category of training equipment, available through our sister store, TOZANDO.)

What is an iaito?

An iaito is a practice sword used in the martial art of iaido. Its blade is typically made of an unsharpened zinc-aluminium alloy, making it lighter and safer for the repeated drawing and cutting motions of practice, and it is treated differently from a live blade under Japanese law. Importantly, a quality iaito is not a mass-produced replica: each one is handcrafted and mounted using the same traditional Japanese techniques as a real sword — including authentic handle wrapping (tsukamaki) — rather than churned out in a factory. At japanesesword.net we specialize in genuine swords and do not carry iaito, but you can find a fine selection of authentic, Japanese-made iaito at our sister store, TOZANDO.