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Frequently Asked Questions:
If your question is not answered within the list below please click here.
I’m interested in purchasing an authentic Japanese sword. Can you help?

Yes, absolutely. Unique Japan is a leading art dealer specialised in the field of antique Samurai swords and related objects.
You have the option of shopping our collection directly online, by attending one of our regular Sword Shows or booking a private meeting with us in Tokyo.
Tell me about your Sword Shows?
At our very popular Sword Shows we offer a collection of Japanese swords that can be purchased directly on premises. Shows typically run for two days.
These sales events are generally held on US Military Bases such as Yokota and Atsugi Air Base, Yokosuka Naval Base, and sometimes a private show on the island of Okinawa. If you are stationed in Japan, you will definitely want to visit a show, or book a private meeting.
Do you have a shop?
No. We have a private office near JR Ebisu station in Tokyo that is not available for drop-in visits. We are happy to arrange a private meeting in advance only. Please see the next topic for details.
How are Private Meetings arranged?
If you are travelling to Japan, or living in the country, we can arrange a private meeting with you to introduce available swords for ownership. Prior to the meeting, we’ll need to discuss the type of sword, age of sword, your budget, etc, to see if there are swords that match requirements. Ownership of a genuine Japanese sword is a personal journey that takes consideration.
Over the next while, we generally narrow down a selection of 2 or 3 swords that best match the client’s criteria. To secure a sword of great interest, a deposit payment is made in advance. This payment is refundable or placed towards another sword(s) that the client may elect to own.
Meetings are held near JR Ebisu area, either at our office or a private meeting room near the station. However, on certain occasions we’ll visit your hotel if a private room can be arranged with wifi access. Pablo Kuntz joins all private meetings, whether in person or via Skype video. Please give at least one week’s notice prior to arrival. Generally speaking, it’s best to contact one or two months in advance.
Is it actually legal to own a 500-year old Japanese sword?
Yes. There are some swords that are deemed as National Treasures which cannot be exported, but these are very few. All swords on offer at Unique Japan are registered with the Japanese Ministry of Cultural Affairs are are 100% legal to export.
We take pride in handling all required paper work to legally export swords globally free for all customers.
Can you ship the sword to the United States?

Yes, and most any other country around the world. All shipments are packed safely, securely and insured. A tracking number will be provided and regular contact will be made throughout the journey to ownership. Shipments typically arrive at destinations normally arrive within 10 days to the destination country once shipped from Japan. Local country customs may hold a shipment for 2-3 weeks before it clears.
Is there duty or taxes to be paid when importing an antique Japanese sword to the United States?

No. You will not be charged as the object is classified as an antique (over 100 years old). If you are mistakenly charged, you can claim this money back. Other countries may face import duty and taxes. It varies from country to country.
Do you offer a guarantee with each sword?

All swords proudly listed on Unique Japan’s website and featured at our shows are guaranteed to be authentic. All swords have certificates of authenticity that we translate for client from trusted organisations such as the NBTHK and NTHK-NPO. Each sword is a razor sharp hand-forged object of art, created to the absolute highest standards of human (and spiritual) craftsmanship.
Our reputation is very important so we take great care when we research our items. We only work closely with experts in the field of Japanese swords and armor.
Note: If you cannot view the sword in person prior to purchase, 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.
What is a Custom Koshirae project?

Some swords are sold sheathed in a protective shirasaya only. In such situations, the client may elect to build a koshirae. If the sword is akin to a man’s body, the koshirae is a custom made suit – traditional mounts that dress the sword for battle. For detailed information on building a custom koshirae, please visit this page.
Do you have a LAYAWAY PLAN for buying swords?

Yes, we have a layaway plan. This is a very popular option as it allows clients to afford more important pieces. Payments can be made by direct bank transfer or by credit card over a period of up to one year. During the time the item is being paid off, we hold the sword(s) securely and maintain it regularly. General contract details of our layaway plan can be downloaded here.
From where do you acquire your stock?

The vast majority of our items for sale are from private collections in Japan. Such sword collections have been treasured and collected over hundreds of years in private homes, usually by important families or individuals.
Can you provide advice on how to display my sword?

Of course! All swords come with a stand and an a traditional silk brocade bag. There are not many objects in the world that rival the impressiveness of an authentic Samurai sword on display.

What payment options do you have?

We offer secure online Visa and MasterCard transactions with our partner WorldPay owned by RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) offline or by a simple bank transfer payment to our international HSBC accounts in Hong Kong or the UK. Please contact us for all payment options.

How soon will my kitchen knife item ship? How fast will it arrive? Will I get a tracking code?

Orders generally ship within two weeks when it comes to kitchen knives. For domestic addresses, they arrive within 2-3 days of shipping, unless it is an APO or FPO address – this can take about a week. For international addresses, they normally arrive within 5 days of shipment and are sent by air using EMS (Express Mail Service) out of Japan – the most trusted delivery service in the country. Shipments are professionally packaged safely and beautifully and YES you will receive a tracking code. For shipping information click here.

NOTE: For orders of Japanese swords, shipments generally leave within 1 month as we need to acquire an exportation pass from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs before the sword can be shipped internationally. If it is a domestic purchase, the sword can be picked up in person or we can send to a local address within about a week.
How are shipping costs calculated?
International and domestic shipping rates are calculated by the product that is ordered – based on the weight and destination. All kitchen knives ship for FREE domestically and and a small charge internationally. Swords ship for a small and reasonable fee, often below the cost that we pay. For further shipping information click here.
Can you ship to an FPO/APO address?
Absolutely (but not Japanese swords)! If you are stationed at a base in locations such as Yokosuka, Yokota, Zama, Misawa, Iwakuni, Okinawa, we have no problem shipping there. Shipping is totally free to any APO or FPO mailbox. For shipping Japanese swords, we can deliver to an off-base address in Japan or back home to your family stateside.
How long will the knife stay sharp and how do I resharpen?
You should be able to get between 6 months of use (assuming you are preparing about 4-5 family meals a week) out of our Unsui knives. Our Damascus Series will last even longer due to its powdered steel hagane core (9 months to a year). When it does become time to re-sharpen, the easiest solution is the Kyocera/Fiskars Ceramic Roll Sharpener or our Suehiro 3-Type Roll Sharpener for single-edge knives. If you’d like for Unique Japan to sharpen your knives professionaly, please contact us.
What is the best surface to cut on?
Wood is best. Wood has natural anti-bacterial agents and high density plastic boards can be cleaned quite easily. Sharp knives should not come into contact with materials harder or as hard as they are, the surface has ‘to give’ a little. Never use glass, marble, melamine, china, tiles, steel or any hard material as a cutting board. This will prematurely undermine the edge and could cause chipping.
What is your best knife?

Well, we’re proud of all our knives, and it does depend on what you are going to use the knife for. However, since you asked, if you are looking for a professional level traditional Japanese knife, our Kuromori Series is outstanding, and for a professional modern-day knife, our R4 Damascus series is really second to none.

Is a product description included in the package?

Yes is it. We’l also include instructions on how to care for your knife too. Your knife is a lifetime investment to proudly take great care of.

I am a professional chef and would like to offer your knives to my students. Is there a commission program?

Yes, there is. If you are interested in becoming one of our trusted UJ Partners, please contact us here.

I am a volunteer at an Officers Spouses Club and we’d like to offer your knives at our next charity bazaar outside of Japan, possible?

Yes it is! We’re actually looking to partner with charitable events from all over the world. Please contact the Founder, Pablo Kuntz, with more information.

Will a sales tax be added to my order?

No. The 8% consumption tax is included on all domestic orders of kitchen knives (if the shipping and/or billing address is in Japan). On international orders no sales taxes are charged on purchases made on uniquejapan.com. In some cases you may be subject to minor taxes and import duties, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country.

What is the privacy policy and how secure is my payment information?

All kitchen knife payments are completely secure and captured by PayPal.

We do not sell, give, or distribute any customer information. And we will never share your email address.

Please tell me about your 110% money-back guarantee

All Unique Japan products are supported with a 110% money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with a product purchased on ujknives.com, simply return it for a prompt and courteous 100% refund of your full purchase price, plus an additional 10% gift certificate. We take great pride in our all of our merchandise. Japan is a country with a reputation for producing products of superior quality and craftsmanship that dates back for centuries.

How can I contact you?

For all inquiries, please click here.

I am a press agent and would like to do a feature on Unique Japan. Who should I contact?

Thank you very much for your interest. Please fill out our contact form here.