Having a sword made in Japan is possible, but there are specific regulations and restrictions that apply.

Traditional Japanese swords, or nihonto, are considered national treasures in Japan. The production of these swords is highly regulated. Only licensed swordsmiths who have completed a five-year apprenticeship are legally allowed to create nihonto. There are limits on production as well; a swordsmith can produce a maximum of two long swords or three short swords per month.

The process of creating a nihonto is time-consuming and requires a high degree of skill. It can take several months to a year to complete a single sword. As a result, nihonto can be quite expensive, with prices often running into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

Once the sword is completed, it must be registered with the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs. This registration process includes an inspection to confirm that the sword was made using traditional methods.

If you are a foreigner wanting to purchase a nihonto in Japan, there are additional steps you must take to legally export the sword from Japan and import it into your own country. These steps can include obtaining an export permit from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, as well as dealing with any import restrictions or requirements in your own country.