Yeah, there is also apparently a lot of, um, how to say it nicely, "wiggle room" in how things really get done with some people at least. There is the law, the interpretation of the law, and those who seem to find ways of stepping over and around some of the details of the laws. But heaven forbid you're a relative nobody and you get caught in violation.
But the bottom line is that they are *supposed* to be highly controlled and in many respects it is the Allies after WWII who are to blame for the beginning of all of this. And honestly, you'd think they'd come up with a better way to deal with the things given how people travel nowadays. I feel sorry for guys like you who travel in and out extensively. It has to be an incredible waste of time for you guys.
Some have guys like us polish and mount modern swords to keep here for when they visit so they don't have to worry about bringing swords in and out of Japan.
And don't get me started on the rules about sword production, methods, who gets the better supply of "good" tamahagane, etc. There are so many rumors and inside jokes about those areas.
But it is a society of rules... Lots of rules...