Can anybody send me email addresses of Japanese National who are interested/collectors of Samurai swords?

Question

My late Grandfather have entrusted me one of his personal collection of World War2 Japanese Samurai sword. I have known that Japanese have been buying back their sword to bring them back to Japan.

Answer 1

This is pretty complicated...but here are some things to think about.

1. Durring the War, a select few Japanese soldiers took their family swords off to battle. When they died many American soldiers picked them up and took them home.

2.Also, at the end of the War, the American army required every citizen to turn over their swords. Many sadly were melted down, broken or simply taken home by soldiers.

3. Its incredibly compex to evaluate the value of some Japanese swords. Many soldiers were issued a "factory" made blade which looks quite nice but in terms of actual value it is a bit on the low side.

4.All swords in Japan must have an inspection sticker on them (except for the tourist ones).  You have to take the sword to the police who keep the sword for up to 6 weeks and the evaluate its value, whether or not someone else has claimed ownership of it, and whether or not its a historical treasure that has gone missing.

Realize that you really cant find out who the ACTUALL person or family who previously owned the sword. At best you could sell it to an Antique dealer in Japan.

It would be pretty difficult to find someone in Japan who could help you. At some point the swords would have to be checked physically and thoroughly to determine their value.

You would probably get more money in Japan for them....depending on what kind of swords they are.

I would try and find a reputable dealer or appraiser in the states first (its gonna cost you some money).  I know it sounds crazy, but its going to be a trick to get them back into Japan.

I'm an antique collector here in Japan but to be honest, I don't collect swords....but I can try and help.

Do you want to sell them? Are you just trying to get them back to Japan?