Attending a sword show in Japan (and purchasing)as foreigner

[Adrian]

I may have the opportunity to visit Japan on a relatively long business trip (3 weeks) and I'm considering a visit to a sword show.

 

I understand that the export permits take a while and without them taking the sword away with you is illegal. Is this correct or there are any legal workarounds for foreigners? (as opposed to Japanese sword shops)

 

Also are you allowed as a foreigner to buy at these shows?

 

thanks a lot.

[raiden]

All Nihonto must go through a special procedure to get export permission from the government. This is Japanese law, and to do so otherwise is a violation of this law. This procedure usually takes around a few weeks depending upon holidays. Then what ever way you decide to ship the item can be a week to 2 months if by sea mail.

[Adrian]

Thank you Mike.

 

Are there any restriction for foreigners in regard of attending and purchasing at Japanese sword shows?

[raiden]

When and where will you go in Japan? The big show is in October. Tokyo, October 25-27.

[Adrian]

The October Tokyo show is what I have in mind Still a long way to go, at this point I'm trying to make sure that I have a reason to be there (except for feasting the eyes of course )

[raiden]

Be aware of the Japanese sword museums national convention is also the same weekend in Tokyo , but you have to join the NBTHK to attend.

[Adrian]

Thank you Mike, but I think that one is well over my current level of knowledge

 

So, for the Dai Token Ichi 2013 there are no restrictions for foreigners, right? Visiting and purchasing I mean

[Clive Sinclaire]

Adrian

There are no "gajin" restrictions on attending Dai Token Ichi or buying swords there. In the past I have bought expensive swords at Dai Token Ichi and have arranged that the seller arranges all export details and sends it to me directly he has received full payment (some allow you to leave a small deposit so that you can transfer the balance when you return home). In this case it has only taken a few sdays to go (FedEx) from Tokyo to London - no problems.

Also, as Mike mentioned, over the same weekend, the NBTHK Token Taikai will also take place at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku. Whilst it is not a commercial affair, I cannot imagine a sword collector being in Tokyo and not attending it! There are some 200-300 swords to view hands-on, including top quality swords such as Masamune, Ichimonji eic etc. If for no other reason, it is worth joining the NBTHK simply to gain this access. How can you not?

Clive Sinclaire

[Adrian]

Well, I must confess I had no idea that you can view them hands-on

 

Thanks a lot to both you and Mike for all the useful information, maybe we can catch up at the show if I make it there

[uwe]

I will also be around

[David Flynn]

I am also attending the DTI this year. Last time, was 2009 and I also purchased a sword there. No problems with it being sent to me in Australia. Hope to see you all there.

[Adrian]

Guess it's time to start pushing at the office for the end of October :lol:

[Lee Bray]

Well worth attending just for the wealth of knowledge and stuff you don't generally get to see.

I went to 2010 & 2011 DTI, bought nothing and was happy as a pig in poop. Would have done the same last year and this coming year but times are what they are so I'll read about it enviously...

[Lingonberry]

I believe conventional wisdom is not to buy anything at your first sword show. That being said, I bought something at my first show...

 

I can't think of any reason why foreigners wouldn't be allowed to attend sword shows. I know of two shops in Tokyo that were not at all bothered by lowly ryugakusei like my friends and I looking at their wares. Being able to speak a little Japanese will certainly help as well as exhibiting knowledge about nihonto. You might want to arrange to meet up with someone from NMB in Tokyo to go with you. Even if you don't buy anything you will probably make a friend.