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Buying & Verification ・ Beginner
A beginner quiz on the legal role of the 登録証, who issues it (prefectural board of education), the five recorded items, how to match it against the blade, and why checking it before purchase is essential.
The 登録証 is the official registration certificate that legally authorizes sword possession under Japan's Firearms and Swords Control Law (銃刀法). It must be kept together with the sword at all times. It is entirely distinct from the NBTHK's appraisal certificate or any tax document.
The 登録証 is issued by the prefectural board of education (都道府県教育委員会). The Public Safety Commission (公安委員会) handles gun possession permits — not sword registration. NBTHK is a private appraisal body, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs (文化庁) handles cultural property administration; neither issues 登録証.
The five items recorded on the 登録証 are: type (種別), length (長さ), curvature (反り), mekugi-ana count (目釘穴), and inscription (銘文). Owner information is not recorded on the 登録証. Swordsmith name and production era are details found in NBTHK appraisals. Photographs and X-ray images are also not part of the 登録証.
If the 登録証 details do not match the blade, you should hold off on purchasing and ask the dealer for an explanation. The mismatch may indicate the wrong 登録証 is attached, or the blade may have been substituted. Altering the 登録証 yourself is illegal. A 鑑定書 cannot remedy a 登録証 mismatch.
The 登録証 is tied to the sword itself — not to any individual owner. It passes with the sword upon transfer, and anyone who possesses the sword with its 登録証 does so legally. However, a new owner acquiring a sword through inheritance or other means must file a change-of-owner notification with the prefectural board of education within 20 days. Re-issuance is not required merely because the sword moves to a different prefecture.
Possessing a sword without a 登録証 violates Japan's Firearms and Swords Control Law and risks confiscation of the sword. Verifying the 登録証 exists and matches the blade before purchase is therefore essential. While the 登録証 is also required when applying for an NBTHK appraisal, the primary reason to check it is to ensure legal possession.