If You Find an Unregistered Japanese Sword: The Discovery Report Procedure
Last updated: 2026-06-25
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If a Japanese sword with no registration certificate turns up, first stay calm. Then, following the correct order of steps is what matters most. This page explains only that procedure.
The Basic Premise — A Sword Without a Certificate Generally Cannot Be Possessed
Under Japan's [Firearms and Swords Control Law (Juto-ho)](https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/333AC0000000006), possessing swords is prohibited in principle. As an exception, only swords recognized as having value as art objects and registered with the prefectural Board of Education may be lawfully possessed.
In other words, a sword without a registration certificate is one that has "not yet been brought into a lawful state." That is precisely why the first step is neither selling nor appraisal, but reporting to the police.
The Procedure Has Three Steps
### 1. File a Discovery Report at the Nearest Police Station
When you find an unregistered sword, contact the nearest police station that has jurisdiction over the place where it was found and tell them you have an unregistered sword. This is the discovery report to the police (hakken-todoke). When you contact them, do not carry the sword around on your own — follow the police's instructions.
### 2. Receive the "Certificate of Discovery Report" from the Police
After you file the discovery report, the police issue a certificate of discovery report (hakken-todoke-zumi-sho). A common misunderstanding here: this certificate is not a permit to possess. It merely attests that you have reported the discovery of an unregistered sword.
### 3. Have It Examined at the Board of Education's "Registration Screening"
Next, the sword is examined at a
FAQ
I found a sword with no certificate. What is the first thing to do?
First, contact the nearest police station with jurisdiction over where it was found and tell them you have an unregistered sword (a discovery report). Do not carry the sword around on your own; follow the police's instructions. After that, have it examined at the prefectural Board of Education's registration screening; if it is recognized as having value as an art object, a registration certificate is issued, and only then may it be lawfully possessed.
If I have a certificate of discovery report, may I possess the sword?
No. The certificate of discovery report attests only that you reported finding an unregistered sword; it does not permit possession. Possession becomes lawful only after the registration screening and the issuing of a registration certificate by the prefectural Board of Education.
May I take an unregistered sword directly to the Board of Education?
That reverses the order. A discovery report to the police is required first, followed by the Board of Education's registration screening. Rather than bringing it straight to the Board of Education, first contact your nearest police station and follow their instructions.
Can I request appraisal or purchase before registration?
No. Until registration is complete, no appraisal, purchase, consignment, drop-off, or shipping is possible, because an unregistered sword cannot be lawfully possessed or transported. Please give top priority to completing the discovery report to the police and the registration screening to bring it into a lawful state first.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the relevant authorities or a qualified professional.