Clarification about kitchen knife laws?

So I am university student visiting Japan for a total of 2 months. I am also a sushi chef back home but am here as a short term stay toursit. My question is, I want to purchase a Japanese chef’s knife over 15 cm long and use it in my apartment’s kitchen here in Japan. However I am worried about whether or not I can do so as I know Japan has some strict knife laws.

I have seen a few articles detailing that apparently you need a permit to have a blade that long, but is that even if it is only for home use? Some articles are also saying that if it is classified as cutlery for home use then those laws dont apply. And does it apply to visitors or just to people who live here long term? All of these sources are crazy ambiguous and contradictory and I don’t want to accidentally break the law but I also really want to use a knife here to make my own sushi that is the proper size for me to take back home. My university could also get in trouble if I accidentally do something wrong so I can’t be satisfied with “they probably won’t say anything at the airport” as that is where I’m worried they might care that the box seal is broken.

Additionally, if I were to revisit Japan, would I be able to fly my chef’s knife from this trip back into Japan? Would I need a permit then?

4 comments
  1. You can buy and carry a knife that’s in its packaging back to your hotel or residence and then in your luggage home no problems. You just can’t carry it on the street for any reason other than you just purchased it and are taking it home.

    Just like most sensible countries. You can transport a knife, but you can’t “carry” the knife.

  2. Buying kitchen knife is fine. You cannot buy long “pocket knife” or “hunting knife”.

    If it is a kitchen knife, it’s fine, not problem, if it was not legal the shop would not sell it.

    One more important thing is that there is rules about carrying knife, it’s all right if it is properly packed (like in a box with a paper wrap as when you buy from the shop), but if for example you are working and just carry the knife in a reusable bag, that could be a problem (especially if you take the train).

    Also if you are a tourist, check if the store offer tax free.

  3. I would guess you’d be fine. I would tell the ticket counter when I check my bags that I have a large knife. I doubt they’ll worry too much about it.

  4. Where is a good spot to get a knife? Fellow chef going in November and I’ve heard to go to Kappabashi

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