Possibility Of Finding The Former Owner Of A Type 95

[LancerLee]

Hi all. I was tasked with finding the owner of this sword by a distant relative. 

If this sword is a genuine one (which I think it is, but I need to take a look at the actual thing before making the conclusion), then I think it's a Type 95.

The current owner claims its the sword of Hisao Tani, which, if it is indeed a Type 95, then this claim is a false one.

Now, the serial number stamped on the scabbard is still very visible. Is it likely that I can deduce the owner of this sword, by going through Japanese historical records and find the original owner of this sword?

Link of the picture: https://imgur.com/a/hSsLINr

[Brian]

yes, it's an NCO Shin Gunto. As such, it is illegal in Japan and would be destroyed.
No, there are no records of owners vs serials, so this is doomed to fail from the start.

[LancerLee]

yes, it's an NCO Shin Gunto. As such, it is illegal in Japan and would be destroyed.

No, there are no records of owners vs serials, so this is doomed to fail from the start.

Hi Brian, thanks for the prompt reply! Well, this is depressing. But at least I'll have something to tell my relative. Cheers!

[Brian]

Not totally depressing. Now it gets to hopefully end up with a collector who will appreciate it and care for it and preserve it as an item of militaria for years to come.

[Bruce Pennington]

Just curous why the relative believed Hisao Tani to be the original owner. Do you know?

[BANGBANGSAN]

谷寿夫( Hisao Tani )should have more than one sword,Either Type94 or Type98 officer sword,but no way he use Type 95 NCO sword.

[charlie1]

I believe he was a Lt. General during the Nanking Massacre in the IJA. He was also hung for war crimes committed during the massacre. I don’t think his family would want that sword even if was legal to own in Japan.

 

Regards

Charlie