Q: Onsite time required for NBTHK papering of tosogu....

[kaigunair]

I have a relative that will be traveling to Japan and staying for about a month or so in the Tokyo area. I may even go along for a week or so.

 

I was thinking it might be a good time to try to submit a few tosogu, in person, for NBTHK papering while I'm there. I was wondering if someone could let me know how long the NBTHK usually holds an item for submission, specifically tosogu? The nice thing about the NTHK kantei at the SF show was that the items were returned that same day. Does the NBTHK hold items for a week, or a month, or longer for evaluation?

 

Basically, I'd like to know if it'll be possible for me or my relative to hand carry my tosogu there and back. I'm assuming if any items pass, the NBTHK has no qualms about mailing the yellow papers overseas (which takes several month) - or do papers also need to be picked up in person at the NBTHK offices?

 

Thanks in advance!

[cabowen]

For NBTHK shinsa submission, in most cases you must take the item there, fill out some paperwork (in Japanese), then wait, usually 2 months or so for the results by mail. You may then go there to pick up your item. They will mail them within Japan but it is not something they like to do. They will most likely not mail them outside of Japan.

[drbvac]

Easier to mail them to Chris

[Pete Klein]

One additional issue. Customs will hassle you bringing them into the country and require you to pay duty. Best done by a professional agent.

[kaigunair]

Thanks all for the info.

 

Didn't realize that they would hold an item for 2 months! Any idea how quickly after submission do they require your to pick up the item?

 

I am very curious on what grounds Japanese Customs could assess duty if you are a foreigner and bringing in your own personal item for shinsa (not talking about blades which I understand are considered weapons). Any way to declare something like a 9802? Or does one have to claim some sort of drawback when its re-exported at time of departure?

 

Definitely see how if one is only doing a few items at a time, using an agent is the best way to go. But I was thinking since I might also be in Japan, and have half a dozen or more tosogu items I'd like to submit, might be a good time to try. The customs thing really bothers me though, for more reasons than one....

[cabowen]

I don't think you need to worry too much about customs. If you have a roll of 10-12 tsuba I am sure you can come up with something creative to tell them- like they are being submitted for shinsa at the NBTHK and then returned home, i.e., it isn't an import for commercial purposes. Of course, that assumes you either declare them or have the bad luck to be chosen for a luggage dump.

 

The NBTHK will probably hold them for 1 month or so without an issue. Longer, you may want to check with them first.

 

Be sure if you do it you can read and write enough Japanese to fill out the paperwork.

[kaigunair]

Much appreciated Chris. A lot to ponder over....