Thread: Carrying a Kamisori/knife in Japan

A freind of mine is planning to travel to japan. He asked me for an idea for a souvineer.

I mentioned a kamisori. He really liked the idea but had a question about the length of the blade. I understand they have very limited blade length restrictions.

Then I read that they are considered a grooming device and therfore not restricted.

He will be there for a while and traveling around.

Does anyone have experience with this situation?

Tim

Yes, knives are a no no in Japan period. That's for carry. In your luggage checked that's OK.

I'd advise to not "f*** around and find out" on this one.
He buys from the store and makes sure it's sealed somehow until he leaves the country.

Regardless of blade length, all knives are prohibited from carrying, except for lawful purposes. Such purposes include duty, work, or outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc. Blade length applies only to the illegal carrying of knives. A blade length of over 6 centimetres (2.4 in) becomes a violation of the jutouho 銃刀法 (gun and sword law), whereas under 6 cm (2.4 in) is a violation of the keihanzaihouihan　軽犯罪法案 (minor law violation). The former carries a heavier penalty than the latter. So unlike some other countries, blade length does not establish a right to legal carry. It only establishes the charge and degree of penalty. However, in practice, carrying alone is generally considered a minor crime unless used to carry out a criminal act.

You have to consider that being a "gaijin" (foreigner) will make it double or nothing.

So it seems like the way to buy one there is to buy it and ship it directly home.

Or else come back home and order it online.

It's not that extreme. After all I was allowed to openly purchase 6 Japanese cooking knives at a big store in Nagoya and carry them back to my countryside city by train without issue. But they were safely in their case, sealed away.

If the kamisori is sold stored in a safe container, preferably sealed, in a travel backpack, it should not be an issue.
If the kamisori is "in hand" because sold "as is" that's another jar of pickles

On the issue of length, a standard kamisori almost always falls in the "minor violation". They are also easily identifiable as "tools" so, well, grey line.
Just stay away from the "ohiris" which fail on both criteria