Guidelines for Shinsa and clearance into Japan for Work, etc

As of Jan 2007

 1.) Expected Costs:

      a.)    Postage to  Japan                                                                            estimated US $35-65

b.)    Torokusho ( Japan Police registration)                                                                    ¥ 6,300

c.)    NBTHK Shinsa fees ( see NBTHK ‘s price list below or follow link to NBTHK website - http://www.touken.or.jp/english/shinsa%20fees.html)

d.)    Polishing, Shirasaya, Habaki,etc work differs according to what you want done.

e.)      Postage for blade & the certificate Japan  to us in Hawaii     estimated    $35-75

f.)    Postage for blade & certificate back to you depends which country and method you want it mailed .                                                                                 estimated $35- $85

g.) Our fee as sword agent for processing a sword into and out of Japan  is $300 per blade .One way is $200. This covers us doing the  postal customs clearance , police registration  & Bunka Cho  clearance into and out of the country, shinsa submission.  We take care of all required paperwork, photography,  legwork, etc.

      Fittings/ Koshirae handling fee is $100                                    

2.) When do we need the blade? We would like the Sword , sword fitting or koshirae by the first week of the month before the Shinsa it is to be submitted to. Contact us so we will let you know when we will be sending pieces.

3.) Deposit : We require a deposit of $500 per sword and $100 per fitting or koshirae to be submitted. When all work has been completed you will receive an itemized receipt of charges and the balance is to be paid or refunded in full.

4.) For Shinsa submission:   If you are a member we will need your NBTHK membership number.  If non-member the NBTHK charges 2,100 yen extra on each item submitted to shinsa for Hozon and Tokubetsu Hozon.( i.e: If your piece passes both Hozon and T. Hozon you will be charged an additional 4,200 yen on top of their shinsa fees.) For a  Juyo Token shinsa submission you will have to become a NBTHK member. You can join the American Branch of  the NBTHK at www.nbthk-ab.org

5.) NBTHK Shinsas  are held during the below months:

 Hozon/Tokubetsu Hozon Sword Shinsa:      Jan, March, May, July, Nov

Hozon/Tokubetsu Hozon Fittings & Koshirae Shinsas:      Feb, April, June, Oct, Dec

Juyo Token Sword & Kodogu Shinsa :       September

6.) To submit a sword to NBTHK shinsa  

• We recommend that your sword should be in presentable condition ( in polish would be nice) so the judges can see all the characteristics of the blade to make a proper kantei. Please do not ask us to show them or submit rusty blades so you can find out whether you have a treasure. They will not be able to properly judge the blade and you will be wasting your money because it will be rejected. 

• If the blade is in decent condition and has no shirasaya or koshirae to protect the blade. Please either get one made before submission , we can arrange to have one made, find an old one that fits or make a shimbun( newspaper) saya.  Did I mention you are trying to protect the blade and all those who handle it.

• Please put the blade in a shirasaya bag or koshirae bag otherwise we will and this will be added to your bill. ( see supply price list for bag costs)

 7.) Shinsa results .

Usually we receive them the last week of the month after the shinsa month. ( ie: Jan Shinsa results in the end of Feb ). Many shinsa months there are Delays  due to holidays,  large amount of submissions, etc so as soon as we receive the results we will email, fax , phone or mail you the results  the day we receive them.

8.) When will I see my sword again after Shinsa?    

We can not pick up your piece from the NBTHK until we are notified of the release date on the shinsa results card. Release date is approximately 2-3 weeks after we receive the results card. After the sword has been picked up from the NBTHK paperwork has to be filed with the Bunkacho. This  takes approximately 2 weeks for Bunkacho clearance. Then there is the shipping time.

For blades that have been submitted to the Hozon Token  and/or Tokubetsu Hozon shinsas the turn around time averages 3-6 months. Figure another 2 -3 months if you want a sayagaki . You will receive your certificate  around the same time as your blade.                                                                                                                             

  Juyo Token shinsa submissions averages 6-10 months before  your sword is returned . If your paper receives Juyo Token status. The blade may be selected to be put on display at the Sword museum depending on available space. You will receive your certificate and page copy from the Juyo Token Nado Zufu book in approximately a 1 year to 1 year and a half , as they need time to do photography , oshigata, verbage on the piece to be included in the Juyo Token Nado Zufu book.

9.) Please include a note with your contact information and what you would like done with the piece and send with your blade. Suggested shipping instructions click here.

10.) We provide No insurance .  Please arrange with your insurance company.                                

    NBTHK Shinsa Fees ( as of April 1, 2000)

Note: In the case of the results of Horyu. A  shinsa fee is not charged. Horyu means the holding back of judgement until more study or knowledge can be gained.

More Shinsa information >>>>

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