Japanese Sword Signature Help

[Rich]

Erik -

Glad to be of help. I was looking at it as a signature also and it was driving
me a bit nuts. So I decided to ask where I knew a native Japanese collector
would answer.

Patriotic slogans were not uncommon on swords of the Meiji and Showa
periods. I've a Meiji period kubikiri tanto with a patriotic mei. And a couple
Showa era swords with patriotic slogans in addition to the signature.
Should have dawned on me sooner. Guess my old brain has lost a few
too many neurons :-)

Rich