This article provides an overview of Japanese knife laws and the types of knives that are legal to carry in Japan. It is illegal to possess any type of knife with a blade length greater than 5.5 inches (14 cm), including pocket knives, hunting knives, kitchen knives, swords and nail clippers. Certain types of pocketknives and folding utility knives with blades shorter than 5.5 inches (14 cm) are legal to carry, as well as certain fishing and hunting knives with valid permits from the local government office. Tourists visiting Japan should not bring their own pocketknife unless it has a blade shorter than 5.5 inches (14 cm).