Yes, it was one of the conditions of the surrender. Mac Arthur, who pretty much wrote the Japanese constitution stipulated not only samurai swords except for ceremonial purposes but many other. things as well. I sometimes wonder if he did that for the hundreds, if not thousands of American soldiers put to death by that thing. Fire arms trump every thing but that bloody sword is in a league all it’s own. It’s the Tiger Tank in the world of swords. It is also the epitome of the samurai, sworn and honor bound to fight and die for the emperor. Mac Arthur also implemented changes revamping the politics of the state, free speech a free press and turning the Japanese Navy to a coastal defense force and the once Imperial Japan Army to a self-defense force incapable of conducting offense war out side it’s borders .
They are a “self defense” force in name only. They have quietly built carriers, bought aerial refuelers and built up their forces. They have an offensive capability on par with other nations that are not restricted. They also have a decent fleet of diesel subs.
Check out their “destroyers”, they are actually USN crusiser size.
USN Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile cruiser,full load 9600 tons
JMSDF Kongo Class “Destroyer”, full load 9500 tons
Both have basically the same equipment as they use US weapons systems.
Last time I checked the Japanese can project force 1000 miles from the homeland. That aint too shabby.