importing

[mrsmithy]

I am visiting japan next month and would like to know if I can buy and legally bring back a samurai/ceremonial sword. I understand the airport security would be an issue, so maybe posting item is possible? Is this legal?
Many thanks in advance.

[HelpfulHarry]

If any help, I received this a few day ago froma supplier wish to get rid of stock before a new law. I have no interest in buying/selling swords because of the legal situation but your question rang a bell.


BREAKING NEWS SAMURAI SWORDS WILL BE BANNED!
A ban will be brought out on the first week of April 2008 but as yet no definition of the swords that will be banned has been released, however we have been given information that the banned swords may have curved blades over 40cm long from the tip of the blade to the base of the handle if measured in a straight line. The definition will be published at the begining of March 2008 and the ban will be inforced from the first week of April 2008. With this in mind we need to clear our stock hense the exceptional prices below.

[spaced]

i have a sword, its under my bed, and thats where its staying...saying that it is for Martial Art purposes! I do kungfu