5 Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword
Pablo Kuntz
Founder of Unique Japan
STEP 1: SELECTING YOUR SWORD
The first step is finding a Japanese sword that you feel a special connection with. This is an extremely rewarding personal journey.
I’ve put together a separate list of 7 Helpful Points to Choosing your Japanese Sword that greatly assists the decision-making process.
STEP 2: HOLD AND PURCHASE
Once you have decided on a sword that feels right for you, contact me through our online form to place a HOLD on the desired sword to ensure you have first option to buy.
There is no obligation to purchase the sword at this stage. Placing a HOLD simply allows you to secure the sword as each unique piece of art is sold on a first come, first serve basis.
If you see that a sword is already on hold, then you can still request a hold in case the sword becomes available again, and hopefully you are next in line.
For those able to travel to Tokyo, once the sword is securely being held for you, we ask that you come to see the sword in person to make your final decision within a week. If you are satisfied, we move toward payment options as listed below.
If the buyer cannot view the sword in person prior to final decision, payment for the sword must be settled within one week. We will securely ship the sword to its destination once funds are received in full.
Note: WE OFFER A THREE (3) DAY WORRY-FREE INSPECTION PERIOD in which the sword may be returned if you (the buyer) are not 100% completely satisfied. No questions asked.
We offer a few payment options:
✓ PAYMENT IN CASH OR DIRECT BANK TRANSFER
If the sword is paid for in cash ( Japanese Yen or US Dollar), or through a direct bank transfer, we offer a 4% discount. As you are saving us costly credit card fees, we gladly pass on these savings to you. We’ll supply you with bank transfer details upon request.
✓ PAYMENT BY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD
For credit card purchases, both VISA and MasterCard can be accepted through our secure online terminal. We normally take credit card payments over the phone. If the payment is made through PayPal, more payment options are available.
✓ LAYAWAY PAYMENTS
A popular option with our clients is to purchase a sword on a layaway plan. The general terms are quite simple: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required and monthly payments can be made over a period of up to one year. We also offer a 40-day interest-free period. The general terms of our layaway plan are outlined here.
STEP 3: EXPORTATION/REGISTRATION PAPERWORK
Registration and exportation services is provided FREE OF CHARGE for all our clients. This is a valuable service in which our clients can rest assured that all necessary action is taken for the sword to be legally exported from Japan.
All swords in Japan are required by law to be registered with a local prefectural government. A Torokusho (Toh-Roh-Koo-Show) “or passport card” is often wrapped around the saya (scabbard) and needs to stay with the sword at all times. If the sword has a new owner and the sword WILL REMAIN in Japan, then Unique Japan will notify the local prefectural government within a couple weeks of the new owner and his/her address.
If the sword is being exported to the United States or most any other country, then the sword needs to be DE-REGISTERED in Japan. In this situation, Unique Japan contacts a separate Japanese government bureau by post mailing them the sword’s Torokusho along with photographs of the sword.
Within 2-3 weeks Unique Japan will receive a “temporary passport” for the sword. This passport allows the sword to leave Japan within a set period period of time (generally within a one month). If the sword is not exported within this time frame, then a new temporary passport must be re-issued.
STEP 4: EXPRESS TRACK & TRACE SHIPPING
Now that all paperwork has been received, it’s time to ship the sword! Nearly all of our clients ask us to ship their sword(s), and we are happy to do so. We have sent dozens and dozens of swords for customers over the years without incident.
If Unique Japan is asked to ship the sword, we generally use the services of Japan Postal EMS (Express Mail Service). They are efficient and also cost effective. All shipments are packaged securely, complete with track and trace plus are fully insured to the value of the sword.
If the client is going to ship the sword, we will send all required paperwork by post mail. Please note that Unique Japan cannot ship swords to a US Military Base in Japan. We can, however, ship to any off-base address in Japan, and of course almost any country worldwide. Exceptions include Afganistan, Iraq, China and the Soviet Union.
STEP 5: YOU’RE THE NEW OWNER!
Congratulations! As a proud Japanese Samurai sword owner, you are part of a very small group of discerning collectors of arguably the world’s most alluring objects of art.
As part of every delivery for our clients, a complimentary maintenance kit and an English/Japanese guide book with instructions on how to best care for your investment is included. A complimentary sword stand and silk brocade storage bags are also included.
