What are the regulations on the importation of cutlery? Are there any restrictions on works of art, antique swords or cooking utensils?  

Although there are no restrictions on the importation of cutlery, the possession of swords is prohibited in principle. Therefore, permission for possession of the Prefectural Public Safety Commission is necessary. If you intend to import works of art or antiques, it is necessary to be registered by the Prefectural Board of Education. Cooking utensils does not fall under the category of swords and may be imported.

1. Prohibition of Possession of Swords
(1) Prohibition of Possession of Swords
1)Possession of swords is, in principle, prohibited due to the high risk of criminal use and the possibility of injury because of accidents.
2)Restricted blades include knives, swords, spears and halberds with a blade of over 15 cm in length and/or daggers and switchblades which fulfill the following three requirements:
(i) Are able to kill or injure man or beast
(ii) Are shapes of swords, blades, spears, halberds, or daggers
(iii) Are made of steel
Possession of cutlery, which does not fall in the category of swords such as cooking utensils, is not prohibited.

(2) Importation of Cutlery and Swords
1) Possession of cutlery that do not fall in the category of swords (cooking utensils) is admitted.
2) Importation of swords is not prohibited, but the possession of swords is, in principle, prohibited. One may not be import without legal permission and one may also imported in the following cases:
(i) If a certificate of registration or certificate of possible registration is issued by the Prefecture Board of Education, that the sword is valuable as a work of art.
(ii) If a permit for possession is issued by the Prefectural Public Safety Commission

2. Permits for Possession of Swords Registered as Works of Art
(1) It is possible to possess cutlery valuable as a work of art by obtaining a registration from a Prefectural Board of Education in accordance with the Firearms and Swords Control Law.
(2) The swords may be carried into Japan or sent by foreign mail. The swords subject to registration should be Japanese swords based on the Firearms and Swords Registration Rule, and should satisfy following conditions;
1) Swords are aesthetic in shape, surface texture, edge pattern, engraving or they clearly reflect the traditional characteristics of one of the sword making families.
2) An inscription of the sword deemed to be historically valuable.
3) Pedigree or lineage of the sword has historical value.
4) If it is a sword similar to one of the above and having a sheath deemed valuable as a work of applied art