5 Steps to Owning an Authentic Japanese Samurai Sword

Unique Japan is extraordinary. Their merchandise is superb and of the highest quality, prices are very competitive, and their customer service is second to none. I purchased both an antique Edo-period [Kinmichi] wakizashi sword and a set of custom-engraved R4 Damascus kitchen knives, and my wife and I are thrilled with them.

What is particularly remarkable about Unique Japan is their dedication to premium customer service at all times. From my first email to him, Mr. Kuntz has always treated me as if I were one of his close friends or relatives. He and his staff consistently deliver a finer product than expected, sooner than promised. I wholeheartedly recommend Unique Japan to everyone interested in fine Japanese antiques and collectibles.
Thank you, Unique Japan!

John Ringquist, MD / U.S. Navy

STEP 1: SELECTING YOUR SWORD

Becoming an owner of a Japanese sword is a rewarding personal journey. The right Japanese sword will ultimately speak to you. There is a very truthful saying in Japan that “the spirit within the sword always chooses its rightful owner.“

For those in Japan or travelling to Tokyo on business or pleasure, we can arrange a free private meeting at our studio near JR Ebisu station. Simply contact us in advance and we’ll arrange a time and place to meet with a few carefully selected swords that meet your criteria, including budget. Our studio is not open to the public, private meetings must be booked in advance.

To all those around the world that are shopping our catalogue online. We completely understand that it takes a HUGE leap of FAITH to purchase a sword given the reliance on photos and descriptions for such a high ticket item, but we PROMISE to answer all your questions and concerns to the best of our ability. Please have trust in us to help advise you on that unique Japanese sword meant uniquely for you. It is our pleasure to serve you.

Be sure to join our VIP email list to have first-hand access to newly released swords.

Suggested articles to read in your journey to Japanese sword ownership:
7 Helpful Points to Choosing your Japanese Sword
7 reasons WHY I love Japanese swords

Click here for our current inventory of Japanese swords that are available for ownership.

STEP 2: HOLD AND PURCHASE

Once you have decided on a sword that feels right for you, contact us through our online form to place a HOLD on the desired sword to ensure you have first option to buy.

For those able to travel to Tokyo, we ask that you come to view the sword in person to make your final decision within a week.

If the buyer cannot view the sword in person prior to final decision, a minimum down payment of about 20% for the sword must be settled within one week. The remainder within 30 days. We will securely ship the sword to its destination once funds are received in full and the export permit has been received.

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. Only return shipping fees must be covered by the buyer.

We offer the following payment options:

✓ PAYMENT BY DIRECT BANK TRANSFER
Direct bank transfer to our HSBC account (generally in USD, JPY or GBP).

✓ PAYMENT BY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD
For credit card purchases, both VISA and MasterCard can be accepted through our secure online terminal. We’ll send you a secure link by email to process payment online. PayPal is also accepted IF the client covers all PayPal fees (ie. send as a personal payment).

✓ LAYAWAY PAYMENTS
Some clients may elect to purchase a sword on a layaway plan.

The general layaway terms are as follows:
– A 20% non-refundable deposit is required
– Monthly or bi-monthly payments are made over 90 days, 180 days, 270 days and one year
– We offer a 40-day interest-free period to pay off the sword once deposit is made
– A small amount of interest may be charged to offset costs of securing the sword/armor and maintaining it while it is being paid off

STEP 3: EXPORTATION/REGISTRATION PAPERWORK

Once payment is made in full, a few options exist:

✓ If the client wishes to send the sword to an address outside of Japan, then proper legal exportation paperwork must be submitted prior to shipment.

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 (and rather complicated) paperwork is taken for the sword to be legally exported from Japan. The process takes about 4 weeks to receive the export permit.

✓ If the sword was purchased by a client living in Japan, Unique Japan will notify the local prefectural government within a couple weeks of the new owner and his/her address.

STEP 4: EXPRESS TRACK & TRACE SHIPPING

Now that all paperwork has been received, it’s time to ship the sword(s)!! Nearly all of our clients ask us to ship their sword(s), and we are most happy to do so. We have sent hundreds 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. The sword must be signed for upon acceptance.

In some instances, such as to Luxembourg and other European countries, we generally ship to the UK first, and then on to the final destination.

**US-based customers will be HAPPY to know that NO DUTY and NO IMPORT TAX is due upon receiving the sword in the United States from Japan because the swords are antiques (over 100 years old and made using traditional methods). In other countries such as the United Kingdom, 5% Import VAT is due.

STEP 5: YOU’RE THE NEW OWNER!

As a proud owner of a Japanese Samurai sword, you are part of an exclusive club of discerning collectors of one of the world’s most prized 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 new sword stand and silk brocade storage bags are also included plus a DVD of “The Art of the Japanese Sword“, which is our favourite documentary video on the making of Japanese swords.

Do you have any questions on a particular sword? Want to see more images of a sword you have in mind? Please go ahead and contact us at anytime with any inquiries. We aim to respond within 24 hours.