Found a Japanese Sword in an Estate or Inheritance: What to Check First | TOUKENZA
Found a Japanese Sword in an Estate or Inheritance: What to Check First
Zuletzt aktualisiert: 2026-07-06
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When sorting through a deceased relative's belongings or handling an inheritance, it is not unusual for a Japanese sword to emerge from the back of a closet or storehouse. It can be unsettling, but the first steps are clear. Before thinking about selling or appraisal, check whether a registration certificate is present.
First, Check for the Registration Certificate
Look for a long, certificate-like sheet of paper kept together with the sword — the torokusho (firearms and swords registration certificate). It is often stored inside the plain wooden scabbard (shirasaya) or sword bag, in a paulownia box, or filed together with other ownership documents.
Whether or not this certificate exists changes the entire procedure that follows.
If the Certificate Is Present — File a Notification of Change of Owner
If the registration certificate is present, the sword is a Japanese sword lawfully registered as an art object. As the new owner through inheritance, you should file a "Notification of Change of Owner" promptly — within 20 days — after you acquire it through inheritance.
The notification goes to the prefectural Board of Education that registered the sword (the one that issued the certificate), not the Board of Education where you currently live. This is not a re-registration or the issuing of a new certificate; it is completed by notification only.
If You Cannot Find the Certificate — Report to the Police First
If you cannot find a registration certificate, the sword may be unregistered. In Japan, swords without a registration certificate generally cannot be possessed.
In that case, do not carry the sword around, and do not bring it to a shop or for appraisal. First, contact your nearest police station, tell them you have an unregistered sword, and follow their instructions. This is called filing a discovery report to the police (hakken-todoke). Follow the police's guidance, after which you will go through the registration screening conducted by the prefectural Board of Education.
You cannot sell, appraise, or consign an unregistered sword (because it cannot be lawfully possessed or transported).
Avoid simply "bringing it to a shop for now" when there is no certificate. Confirming the registration status comes first.
The count generally starts from the date of inheritance (in law, the date of the decedent's death). If the actual handover is delayed by estate division, confirm the specific treatment with the registering Board of Education and proceed promptly once confirmed.
Disclaimer
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and requirements may vary depending on the condition of the sword and the practices of each prefecture. For decisions or procedures specific to your situation, please confirm with your nearest police station, the registering prefectural Board of Education, the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunka-cho), or a qualified professional.
FAQ
The inherited sword came with a registration certificate. What should I do?
If the registration certificate is present, it is a lawfully registered Japanese sword. Once you take possession, promptly (within 20 days) file a Notification of Change of Owner with the prefectural Board of Education that registered the sword (issued the certificate). It is completed by notification only, not re-registration. Note that the notification goes to the registering Board of Education, not the one where you currently live.
I cannot find a registration certificate. What should I do?
A sword without a certificate may be unregistered and generally cannot be possessed. Do not carry it around or take it to a shop or for appraisal. First, contact your nearest police station and follow their instructions (a discovery report to the police). After that, you will go through the registration screening by the prefectural Board of Education. See our guide on finding an unregistered sword.
Can I sell or appraise an inherited sword right away?
If the sword has a registration certificate, you can consider selling or appraisal after completing the Notification of Change of Owner. However, an unregistered sword without a certificate cannot be lawfully possessed or transported, so it cannot be sold, appraised, or consigned. Confirming the registration status comes first.
Does the deadline for the Notification of Change of Owner run from the date of death?
The Notification of Change of Owner must be filed within 20 days of acquisition. In inheritance, the count generally starts from the date of inheritance (in law, the date of the decedent's death). If the actual handover comes later through estate division, confirm the specific treatment with the registering prefectural Board of Education. In all cases, it is safest to proceed promptly once you can confirm the details.
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