Advice on buying a sword in Tokyo

[poacher69]

I travel frequently to Tokyo on business and will spend a rare weekend there coming up this March. I have always wanted an authentic samurai sword. I practiced martial arts when I was younger and something about samurai swords always captured my imagination. I used to own a cheap imitation sword that I bought at a swap meet. But now that I am old and a little more financially stable I would like to buy an authentic sword.

 

I have done some research, but am not an very familiar with sword collecting.

 

I am willing to spend $2-3K USD to get a good quality, authentic sword. I am looking for a modern sword made with traditional techniques.

 

Is it possible to get such a sword for this price? Are there good places in Tokyo to shop for swords? I have one whole day to spend in Tokyo, is that enough time?

 

Any help would be very much appreciated.

[Brian]

Steve,

I'm afraid the answer is no.

If you are indeed looking to purchase a traditionally made and modern blade, then you should know that even second hand you are looking at from about $7500 and upwards to whatever you wish to spend. A modern (functional and traditionally made) sword is more expensive than some antique blades. Even reasonable antiques or WW2 traditionally made blades are going to go around $4000 upwards.

Once you purchase one in Japan, you can't take it with you either. The laws there are strict, and swords are licenced. The dealer needs to submit the paperwork to deregister it, which takes a week or 2. Usually it is then posted to you.

Aoi Art are one of the dealers in Tokyo more used to exporting swords and with lower prices. Take a look through their swords at http://www.aoi-art.com/ to get an idea of prices. There are many dealers in Tokyo, but few that can converse in English and prices will be far above your limit.

You will have to decide if you want a katana, or a shorter wakizashi which could be cheaper.

Cheaper modern swords will be display swords that aren't forged and folded, and mainly for sporting use.

Check out the excellent article here http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/arti ... rd_law.pdf for the full story on the laws and exporting swords.

 

Regards,

Brian

[pcfarrar]

http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/katana/08614.html

 

Something like that would be within your budget. Why do you want something modern?

[poacher69]

@Brian: thanks for the detailed response. I will be traveling with colleague in Japan, so no english won't be a problem. I think I will visit the store you linked to while there, I assume I can go without an appointment.

 

Why do all of the swords shown just have the blade? Is this the way swords are generally sold? Will I be able to get it fitted at the store?

 

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

@pcfarrar: The reason I mentioned modern was I assumed antique swords were more expensive, but looks like I was mistaken on that front. The sword you linked to looks like it is in the general price I am looking at. Is this a decent sword? How much would it cost to get fitted?

[Stephen]

http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/katana/ima ... shirae.jpg

 

Steve the sword in ? does have fittings one just needs to click on koshirae, Tsurata san does come down on his prices as well. You should be able to find one in his shop. please share when it gets home to you in a few weeks.

[sencho]

Hi Steve,

 

You are obviously where I was 3 years ago in the nihonto knowledge department.... I would also suggest getting some reasonably priced books to start you off with understanding this stuff...

 

THE Japanese SWORD

Kanzan Sato

probably about 30 or 40 US dollars

 

THE SAMURAI SWORD, a handbook

John Yumato

probably around $15 - $20

 

A little more advanced, but brilliant is the CONNOISSEURS GUIDE by Kokan Nagayama

 

These are all English language books.... also Rich Steins site give loads of information on terminology and care of blades, why some are in shirasaya, in koshirae, etc.. wakazashi, katana, tachi, tanto.... etc, etc...

 

Care of your sword when you buy it is especially important, so you need to read and learn some stuff!! :D

 

Also there are links here on the message board for dealers in various parts of the world... if you are in the USA, it might be easier to buy right here... but there are also dealers in Europe and Australasia.

 

Cheers

Nigel

[Jean]

Hi Steve,

 

You'll be surprised but often many things manufactured nowadays are much more expensive than antiques.

 

At the time being, 19th century English mahogany furniture is cheaper than Ikea furniture (and I don't speak about quality, craftsmanship ...)

 

Labour cost, VAT, Customs duties, cost of life account for this ....

[Brian]

As Nigel said, you are in the USA, and will probably find a better deal at one of the USA sword shows.

However while in Tokyo, by all means visit Aoi Art, and the NBTHK Sword museum is around the corner. Tiny shop, and don't expect too many swords on display though. I think most are in storage or cupboards, and not a lot to see in the shop, but worth going and chatting to them.

 

Brian

[poacher69]

Any other suggestions on places to see in Tokyo regarding swords?

[John A Stuart]

There are lots, but, I like to drop by Ginza Choshuya. John

[Jean]

Fantastic shop but way off your budget

[Brian]

For swords, I would firstly do Aoi and NBTHK museum. That will take the better part of a day.

If you have time, the Yasukuni Shrine is also a good visit not just for swords.Tokyo National Museum in Ueno also has good swords and related items on display, but you are going to find that day goes by very fast.

NBTHK Museum/Aoi are in a residential district and not easy to find, so make sure you have good directions and your aren't there on the 1 day a week they are closed. :?

 

Brian

[poacher69]

Thanks for everyone's advice. I will report back after my trip in march.

[Guido]

..., so make sure you have good directions and your aren't there on the 1 day a week they are closed.

Most Japanese museums (as well as the NBTHK and Aoi Art) are closed on Monday .