Japanese Regulations regarding export

[Leigh]

Having inquired to a reputable Japanese dealer (Aoi Art) as to possibly selling my sword, the dealer asked me to ship my sword to Japan, where he would inspect the sword and transfer funds.

I’m concerned that the Japanese department of customs would not allow the sword to be returned to me as it is somewhat rare and has historical connection to a famous Japanese General.

Does anyone know where I can research the rules and regulations?

I would appreciate any link to reference material that may assist me.

Much appreciated 

Edited yesterday at 05:59 AM by Leigh
Misspelling

[lonely panet]

ok, 

1st thing? sword level?

2nd Japan is flooded with nihonto and export alot to the uneducated west.

3rd no issues with returns as the wider Japanese society dont care about the ww2 area or the Gen's,  and you will need 110% documented proof that it was from said person.  " 1000 of peaple all have claims of the same thing"

 

Aoi art is a ok dealer but rough and floppy with with facts at times

 

why not sell here?

[Ian B3HR2UH]

I would have thought that you will get more for it in the west than  trying to sell it to a dealer in Japan 

[Brian]

The whole "The Japanese govt will keep it and won't allow it to leave" thing is an old urban myth. Doesn't happen, won't happen. Agree that you'd probably get more for it in the West. Half the time stuff like that will be resold to a Western collector and be shipped out again. They don't care all that much about the WW2 significance, at least not as much as overseas collectors do generally speaking.

[Brano]

... In addition - the Japanese seller will offer 60-70% of the market price. Which is logical, because he is a businessman.
In addition, it is necessary to add the cost of shipping and the fee for the import permit

 

If your sword is not designed as a Juyo Bunkazai (Important Cultural Property) or Kokuho (National Treasure) then there is no need to worry about not getting your treasure back.

[Leigh]

Many thanks! I will look for a Western dealer as the sword is authenticated and papered. I had assumed they don’t release anything with historic significance. Thanks for the good advice

[lonely panet]

By all means post pics and prices here,  you will be surprised whos on the nmb

[Leigh]

Thanks, but I know nothing about the pricing. The one sword I was selling to Aoi Art was agreed upon the price of $22K. They wanted me to send the sword to them, and after inspecting the sword, they would transfer the funds. I did send them pictures and paperwork for this sword. After reading posts on this forum, I don’t feel comfortable sending them the sword to Japan. They also seemed a little too anxious to buy it.

Going to research some of these swords, I have and then find someone credible to sell them to in my region (British Columbia, Canada). Thanks so much for the advice.👍

[lonely panet]

so you are close the US,  where you will get the highest gunto attention and yet you try and sell into Japan? who have you spoken too or visited in your country,  to help you ?

 

NICKR is in your neck of the woods

 

or is this a fishing trip?

[Leigh]

What’s a fishing trip?? it seems like the only guy in Canada who had any expertise on these things was Fred Fimo with whom I emailed, only to find out, he had died a year or so ago at the age of 100. Not that I would justify my actions to you, or anyone, but I assumed the experts were in Japan and the market was in Japan because they wanted their swords back. I said I don’t know much about this. 

[Brian]

One of the better dealers who deals specifically in high end stuff is in Canada. He's also a dealer member here on the forum: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/125-nihonto-art-inc/
Get hold of https://nihontoart.com/

@Nickupero Nick will be of assistance I am sure.
@b.hennick Barry is also in Canada and is an advanced collector who I am sure can give advice.