Nihonto Blog

Antique Japanese katana imported to the UK | Tokyo Nihonto

How to Import a Katana into the UK: Law, VAT an...

Importing a katana into the UK in 2026? Understand the curved sword law, the antique exemption, the 5% import VAT rule and exactly what customs will ask for.

How to Import a Katana into the UK: Law, VAT an...

Importing a katana into the UK in 2026? Understand the curved sword law, the antique exemption, the 5% import VAT rule and exactly what customs will ask for.

Antique nihonto katana appraisal | Tokyo Nihonto

How to Sell an Antique Japanese Sword: What Dea...

Selling an antique Japanese sword? Learn what dealers actually pay, how consignment splits work, and the three mistakes that cost sellers thousands.

How to Sell an Antique Japanese Sword: What Dea...

Selling an antique Japanese sword? Learn what dealers actually pay, how consignment splits work, and the three mistakes that cost sellers thousands.

Antique Japanese sword blade and tang | Tokyo Nihonto

Inherited a Japanese Sword? How to Identify It ...

Inherited a Japanese sword and have no idea what it is? Use this step-by-step identification guide to tell an antique nihonto from a WW2 gunto or a replica.

Inherited a Japanese Sword? How to Identify It ...

Inherited a Japanese sword and have no idea what it is? Use this step-by-step identification guide to tell an antique nihonto from a WW2 gunto or a replica.

Five antique Japanese blades of the Gokaden traditions displayed on a lacquered rack with province maps — ukiyo-e style illustration

Gokaden: The Five Traditions of Japanese Swordm...

Gokaden: The Five Traditions of Japanese Swordmaking Quick Summary The Gokaden (五箇伝) are the five great schools of Japanese swordmaking that defined the Koto period: Yamashiro, Yamato, Bizen, Soshu, and...

Gokaden: The Five Traditions of Japanese Swordm...

Gokaden: The Five Traditions of Japanese Swordmaking Quick Summary The Gokaden (五箇伝) are the five great schools of Japanese swordmaking that defined the Koto period: Yamashiro, Yamato, Bizen, Soshu, and...

Edo-period sword expert examining an antique katana against reference signature scrolls to detect a false mei (gimei) — ukiyo-e style illustration

Gimei: How to Spot a Fake Signature on a Katana

Gimei: How to Spot a Fake Signature on a Japanese Sword Quick Summary Gimei (偽銘) is a false signature on a nihonto, a famous smith's name cut into the tang...

Gimei: How to Spot a Fake Signature on a Katana

Gimei: How to Spot a Fake Signature on a Japanese Sword Quick Summary Gimei (偽銘) is a false signature on a nihonto, a famous smith's name cut into the tang...

Edo-period sword appraiser studying antique blades beside a swordsmith ranking ledger — ukiyo-e style illustration

Hawley Rating Explained: Valuing Japanese Sword...

Hawley Rating Explained: How Japanese Swordsmiths Are Valued Quick Summary The Hawley rating is a numerical score, drawn from W. M. Hawley's reference book Japanese Swordsmiths, that ranks a smith's...

Hawley Rating Explained: Valuing Japanese Sword...

Hawley Rating Explained: How Japanese Swordsmiths Are Valued Quick Summary The Hawley rating is a numerical score, drawn from W. M. Hawley's reference book Japanese Swordsmiths, that ranks a smith's...