Tourism Japanese swords banned from tourist attractions

A hands-on programme in Murayama, Yamagata Prefecture, that allowed tourists to handle real Japanese swords as part of the martial art iaido (居合道) was abruptly terminated in January after it was found to violate the Firearms and Swords Control Law. The initiative had been especially popular among international visitors and had even earned national recognition, receiving a martial arts tourism award from the central government in fiscal 2020. The local tourism association voiced regret over having to cancel what had become a signature attraction. Iaido is a traditional martial discipline in which practitioners train both body and mind through the precise act of drawing and striking with the sword. Its reputed founder, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (林崎甚助重信, 1542–1617), was born in Murayama and is enshrined at the Kumano Iai-ryō Shrine (熊野居合両神社), more commonly known as the Iai Shrine.



The programme was launched in 2017 by the Murayama municipal government as a way for tourists to engage directly with this heritage, giving them the chance to cut rolled tatami mats with live blades. After initially consulting with Yamagata Prefectural Police and receiving no objections, the city entrusted the local tourism association to run the experience. The so-called "samurai experience" quickly gained traction, but despite its success and prior approval, the programme was ultimately brought to an end due to legal concerns.

However, as similar programs using real swords began to be offered in other parts of Japan, the National Police Agency issued a notice to police across the country on Dec. 25, saying that the use of registered swords by a large number of tourists for momentary amusement was not allowed under the Firearms and Swords Control Law. [...] Bugeido Musubi, a dojo in the town of Kosaka, Akita Prefecture, also terminated its program, in which participants could cut straw bundles with real swords. The prefectural police told the dojo that it could be putting itself at significant risk if it failed to comply with the NPA's notice and continued to allow tourists to use swords. An official for the program complained that reservations had dropped off because the highlight of the 90-minute "samurai experience" was no longer available.

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Maybe to avoid a Kill Bill event , LOL.

There is a Japanese sword-training dojo in my town in America. One day, they had an open house demonstration day, and I had the opportunity to swing a real samurai sword. Those things are dangerous! Also, the sword was a lot heavier than I expected.

In Iga-Ueno there is a ninja attraction you can visit and throw real shuriken at wood, will that/has that been banned next?

The UK's 'hamono' laws are prohibitive (for good reason) but for this to happen in Japan is a great shame. It's clear the Japanese government thinks foreigners are not to be trusted!

Strictly speaking, mat-cutting is not Iai but 'suemonogiri', the cutting of tied objects. Iai is the quick-drawing of the sword from the scabbard and simultaneously dispatching an imaginary enemy.

<removes pedantry head>