Inheritance-Tax Valuation of a Japanese Sword: Valuing It as an Art/Antique Object | TOUKENZA
Inheritance-Tax Valuation of a Japanese Sword: Valuing It as an Art/Antique Object
Zuletzt aktualisiert: 2026-07-06
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Inherited property may be subject to inheritance tax, and a Japanese sword is no exception. Here we organize the basics of how an inherited Japanese sword is valued for the inheritance-tax calculation. Because the valuation and whether a return is required depend on individual circumstances, confirm specific valuation and filing with a tax accountant, and appraisal with a sword-appraisal specialist. Note that this concerns the "valuation" at inheritance, which is separate from the tax when you later sell the sword (capital gains) — for selling, see .
An Inherited Japanese Sword Is Also Subject to Inheritance Tax
Property subject to inheritance tax includes not only cash, deposits, and land, but everything with economic value measurable in money (National Tax Agency No.4105). A Japanese sword, as movable property with economic value, is included.
A Sword Is Valued Individually as an "Art/Antique Object"
Movable property with artistic value is, in principle, valued as an art/antique object (shoga-kottōhin) in the inheritance-tax calculation (Property Valuation Basic Circular 135). Circular 135 provides that (1) items held by a dealer are valued as inventory, and (2) all others (individually owned) are valued "with reference to sale-example values and expert-opinion values."
(Note: whether a Japanese sword falls under "art/antique object" in Circular 135 or is treated as general movable property is a case-by-case fact judgment, and we could not find NTA material naming swords explicitly. However, the valuation of general movables (Circular 129) is also "with reference to sale-example values and expert-opinion values," so the conclusion — "valued individually, at fair market value, per sword" — is the same either way.)
How the Value Is Determined — Sale-Example and Expert-Opinion Values
FAQ
Is an inherited Japanese sword subject to inheritance tax?
A sword is subject to inheritance tax as property with economic value. However, inheritance tax applies only when the total estate exceeds the basic deduction (30 million yen + 6 million yen × the number of statutory heirs), so the sword's value matters through whether the total estate exceeds this. Within the deduction, neither filing nor payment is required.
How is the inheritance-tax value of a sword determined?
Artistic movables are, in principle, valued as art/antique objects, individually per sword, with reference to sale-example and expert-opinion values (Property Valuation Basic Circular 135). High-value items or those whose value turns on authentication may require appraisal. The basis is the fair market value at the date of inheritance (in principle, the date of death). Confirm specific figures with a tax accountant and appraiser.
Is inheritance-tax valuation the same as the tax when selling?
No. This article concerns the valuation at inheritance (inheritance tax); selling an inherited sword is subject to capital-gains (income) tax. Note that a person who paid inheritance tax and sells within roughly 3 years and 10 months can add part of the inheritance tax to the acquisition cost at sale. See the separate article for tax on selling.
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"With reference to sale-example and expert-opinion values" means valuing by reference to actual transaction prices of comparable swords and to the opinion value of experts. In the NTA's practical approach (as illustrated in its public-auction valuation manual), high-value items whose value would rise from authentication are appraised by an appraiser, while relatively low-value items with suitable transaction examples may be valued simply by reference to expert opinion. Note that prices can differ considerably depending on the presence of appraisal papers or box inscriptions and the appraiser's renown.
Difference from Household Movables (General Movables)
Household movables such as furniture and clothing can be valued in a lump for items worth 50,000 yen or less each (Circular 128). But art/antique objects are excluded from general movables, so this lump valuation cannot be used; each sword is, in principle, valued individually.
As of When — Fair Market Value at the Date of Inheritance
The basis for inheritance-tax valuation is the fair market value at the taxation time (the date of inheritance = in principle, the date of the decedent's death) (Circular 1). Fair market value means the price that would ordinarily form in free trade among unspecified parties, given the asset's actual condition.
Is a Return Even Required? — The Basic Deduction
Inheritance tax applies when the total estate value exceeds the basic deduction (30 million yen + 6 million yen × the number of statutory heirs) (NTA No.4152 / No.4102). A sword's value matters only through whether the total estate exceeds this deduction. Within the deduction, neither filing nor payment is required (No.4205). If it is exceeded, filing and payment are required within 10 months of the day following knowledge of the death.
If You Later Sell — The Acquisition-Cost Add-On
If you sell property on which inheritance tax was paid within three years after the day following the inheritance-tax filing deadline (roughly within 3 years and 10 months of death), a special provision lets you add part of the inheritance tax paid to the acquisition cost at sale (NTA No.3267). This applies to the capital-gains (income-tax) calculation and only for a person on whom inheritance tax was actually imposed. For the details of tax on selling, see Tax When Selling an Inherited Japanese Sword.
Valuation and Filing — Consult a Tax Accountant and Appraiser
The value of a specific sword varies greatly with the smith, period, condition, fittings (koshirae, appraisal papers), and any designation — a highly fact-specific judgment. Confirm valuation and filing with a tax accountant, and sword appraisal with a specialist. See also What to Check First When a Sword Turns Up in an Estate.
Disclaimer
This page provides general information about taxation and does not constitute tax or legal advice. The inheritance-tax valuation and whether a return is required depend on individual circumstances such as the total estate, the number of statutory heirs, and any fittings or designations. For specific valuation or filing, consult a licensed tax accountant (zeirishi); for appraisal, a sword-appraisal specialist; and for procedures, your local tax office or the National Tax Agency.