FAQs

Yes, all the katana we sell are authentic and made in Japan.

In Japan, every katana must have a Firearm and Sword Registration Certificate. This certificate proves that the katana is made with traditional steel (tamahagane) and crafted using traditional techniques. It also confirms unique features like tempering and hamon.

A katana without this certificate is illegal in Japan. Since all our katana are shipped from Japan, we guarantee they are 100% authentic.

The primary difference is blade length:

• Tantō – Under 30.3 cm (1 shaku)
• Wakizashi – Between 30.3 cm (1 shaku) and 60.6 cm (2 shaku)
• Katana – Over 60.6 cm (2 shaku)

Samurai traditionally wore both a katana and a wakizashi at their waist, a combination known as daishō. Tantō were often kept beside the pillow for self-defense or carried by women for personal protection.

• Koshiraé → The battle-ready fittings of a katana.
• Shirasaya → The storage fittings, like “pajamas” for the blade.

Koshiraé is designed for wearing at the waist or combat use. In contrast, Shirasaya is meant for long-term storage, protecting the blade from humidity. It is not meant for combat, as it lacks essential grip features like rayskin (samegawa) and wrapping (ito), making it more slippery and fragile.

⚠️ No Returns or Exchanges – One-of-a-Kind Items

All swords sold on our website are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

🔺 Returns and exchanges are strictly not accepted after purchase.
🔺 Why? When exporting a Japanese sword, its Gun & Sword Registration Certificate (銃砲刀剣類登録証) must be surrendered to the authorities.
🔺 Once a sword is exported, it cannot be re-imported to Japan for registration renewal.

📌 Please confirm all details carefully before placing an order.

Yes, we accept custom orders!

Please fill out the form on this page: Genshosha

We currently sell katana to the United States, Australia, Germany, and Canada, where no special license is required.

However, laws can change, so we recommend checking your country’s regulations before purchasing.

We currently ship to the United States, Australia, Germany, and Canada, where katana imports are permitted.

However, laws may change, so we recommend confirming with your local customs office before ordering.

On average, shipping takes about 6 months.

1️⃣ We first need to obtain government approval and return the registration certificate. This process takes several months.
2️⃣ Once approved, we ship the katana immediately.
3️⃣ Delays may occur due to international regulations, weather, or customs clearance.

For this reason, please allow at least 6 months for delivery.

• Domestic shipping (within Japan): 5,000 JPY (flat rate)
• International shipping: 40,000 JPY (flat rate)

All international orders are shipped via EMS (Express Mail Service).

We take great care in packaging and shipping; however, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents or issues that occur during transit.

✅ All shipments are insured through EMS.
✅ If your package is lost or damaged during shipping, you may receive compensation through EMS insurance.
❌ It is impossible to reorder the same item, as each sword is one-of-a-kind.
❌ Compensation cannot exceed the purchase price.

💰 Maximum insurance coverage: Up to 2 million JPY.

Yes, but the blade will get damaged over time.

In Japan, real katana are used for tameshigiri (test cutting), and even historical katana are sometimes used for this purpose. The decision is up to you.

However, please note:
❗ Using a katana for training will cause rust, stains, and wear on the blade.
❗ We are not responsible for any damage caused by use.