When Taking or Exporting a Japanese Sword Overseas

Whether you want to pass a sword to an overseas collector, or take your own sword abroad in a move — taking a Japanese sword out of the country involves procedures distinct from domestic possession. Here we organize the basic ideas, but because treatment differs by item and period, always confirm individual cases in advance.

You Still Need the Certificate to Take It Out; Return It Once You No Longer Possess the Sword

As when transporting a sword within Japan, you need the registration certificate even when the premise is taking it overseas. And if, through export, you will no longer possess the sword within Japan, the registration certificate is returned to the prefectural Board of Education that performed the registration. Because the registration belongs to the sword, once the sword leaves the country and domestic possession ends, the certificate has served its purpose and is returned to the Board of Education.

Customs May Require the "Export Examination Certificate" from the Agency for Cultural Affairs

When you export a sword, customs may ask you to confirm that the sword is not designated as a National Treasure or Important Cultural Property, and does not fall under "Important Art Objects" (juyo bijutsuhin) and the like. For this confirmation, you may be asked to present the ["export examination certificate for antique art objects" from the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunka-cho)](https://www.bunka.go.jp/).

However, this examination certificate is not necessarily required for every sword. Treatment differs by item, period, designation status, and so on. For example, with modern swords, the required documents vary by case, so nothing can be stated categorically.

Note that the central body for export procedures is the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The understanding that "the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is the main point of contact" is not correct — please be careful here. (For the exceptional export of designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, procedures under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (Export Trade Control Order) may also apply, but that approval authority is delegated to the Director-General of Customs, so in practice the central body remains the Agency for Cultural Affairs.)

National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and Important Art Objects Are Banned from Export in Principle

Swords that are National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, or Important Art Objects (and the like) are, in principle, prohibited from being exported (taken) overseas. As precious cultural properties of Japan, these are subject to measures preventing their outflow abroad. Only where the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs grants permission for international cultural exchange or another specially recognized need may such a sword be exported (Cultural Properties Protection Act, Art. 44). If you are unsure whether your sword falls into these categories, confirm in advance rather than judging on your own.

When in Doubt, Confirm in Advance

As described above, export treatment varies with a sword's designation status and period. When considering export, always confirm with customs and the [Agency for Cultural Affairs](https://www.bunka.go.jp/) before departure. For individual cases, prior confirmation with the relevant authorities or a specialist is indispensable.

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.