[Shinrei]

I'm gonna try that.

[maro]

Shinrei, on 07 April 2010 - 12:45 AM, said:

I'm gonna try that.

They even let us try their riot shields

[frookenhauer]

Shinrei, on 07 April 2010 - 12:26 AM, said:

Rodeo, when you come and visit me in Japan it's the same deal. No knives on your person or you could end up in the slammer and deported. However, if you have a note from your sensei, you could carry around a real sword (in a proper bag) and there's no problem.

That is frikkin awesome! Does it have to be on dojo headed paper or something?

[maro]

Generally you have a Membership book or some such.

[Shinrei]

I just have my payment envelope. It is proof that I'm taking classes (paying for them).

Thing is, it's obviously a sword bag. I've never been challenged (knock on wood) despite walking past cops all the time. It's not that uncommon really. They probably assume I'm a kendo player though, and think it's a just a bamboo shinai.

[Thelomen Toblerone]

Maybe they've all just seen that scene in the Matrix where they go into the hotel lobby, and so take one look at your bag and shit it.

[Mezla PigDog]

I always wondered in Kill Bill how The Bride was allowed on the plane with her sword. Now I know, thanks Shin!

[Thelomen Toblerone]

Aren't you allowed anyway if you pack it in your suitcase?

[Mezla PigDog]

In Kill Bill, she has her Hattori Hanzo sword in its case next to her in the cabin.

[Thelomen Toblerone]

Really? I do not remember that at all. But then again, I've not seen it in a year or so. Or not under the influence of something or other. Ever.

[maro]

Thelomen Toblerone, on 09 April 2010 - 11:32 PM, said:

Aren't you allowed anyway if you pack it in your suitcase?

No, you have to put it under the plane.

Interestingly, you can carry real swords around in Japan but when you enter/exit the country you can't take them with you (Without massive paperwork).

We take our Alloy training blades and use sharp swords from our guest dojo.

It's always funny to be surrounded by curious Customs guards when your only words of Japanese are Iaido and Mogito. Out comes the magnet.

[Jusentantaka]

maro, on 10 April 2010 - 04:00 AM, said:

Interestingly, you can carry real swords around in Japan but when you enter/exit the country you can't take them with you (Without massive paperwork).

Is this a relatively new thing? Cause about 10-12ish years back when I was in Japan I bought and left with a swordz and only needed to get a a couple forms filed out. Of course, our ideas of massive paperwork might be a bit different. I've taken firearms on planes with me (in cargo ofc, but it was still a ridiculous amount of hassle when the drones don't know how to do their damned jobs)

[maro]

Nihonto or Iaito?

Believe me it's very difficult nowadays - some of the top guys don't even bother with Iaito now, they buy one over there and leave it there.

My custom Nihonto will be ready soon but It's easier for my Sensei to organise shipping etc than picking it up in person.

[Jusentantaka]

If the difference between the two is that one is blunt and the other not, then its the one that is not blunt. (sue me, I have like nine windows open at once and I don't want to wikitrawl)

I had (as with every international flight ever) more issues when I landed and had to deal with the idiots at customs than on the way out though .

achhhuallies, the more I think about it, the more papers I'm remembering, so maybe it wasn't so easy, but they were 'file and be done with it' rather than the US system of 'carry in triplicate at all times and be prepared to be strip searched at customs, metal detectors and in your seat while you sleep, and to have to sit through mouth-breathing morons stutter while they struggle to pronounce your name, refuse to believe you are a citizen since you are not fat and white, and who become irate and blustery when you complain about how you've been waiting for them to put the stamp on the page for half an hour'

This post has been edited by Jusentantaka: 10 April 2010 - 04:52 AM

[maro]

The only Hassle with Japanese customs is not that it's a weapon, just controlling what swords leave the country - it's a protected Market afterall.

Getting back to Oz is better - I have a base guitar case with room for 3 swords. When I click it open their faces are:

[Sindriss]

So what are the prices on the bamboo sword? I definetely want one!