Minamoto Moritaka Commemorative Statement

[Ron STL]

The photo shows the nakago of a gendaito by Minamoto Moritaka. It carries a commemorative inscription below the date. Years ago when the sword was first found, I was told it reads: "Made to commemorate the fall of Singapore and Hong Kong." Today, I'm trying to confirm this information along with the Japanese reading of it. I've searched my books, NMB and online, but can not come up with this information. I eventually sold the sword to a good friend and recently repurchased it after his untimely death. Perhaps a redundant question, but I'm just trying to rebuild my file on the sword. Thanks!

Ron STL

[kunitaro]

皇紀二千六百二年星港突入日淬之

koki ni sen roppyaku roku nen, Singapore Totsunyu (no) hi (ni) kore (wo) Niragu.

Yakiire has done on the date of Invading Singapore in 1942 (Showa 17/Koki 2602)

 

星港 ; Singapore

突入：rush into, pluge, 

淬 (Niragu) : verb for Yakiire

[Ron STL]

Wow, what a fast response! Thank Kunitaro. This is more information than I hoped for and greatly adds to my understanding of this sword. Ron STL

[SwordGuyJoe]

Really nice! I have a Kuniie sword commemorating the fall of Singapore.

 

 

[Ron STL]

Kuniie was in the thick of it. Very much admire his work! Ron STL

[SwordGuyJoe]

As do I with Moritaka.