Nice signed Japanese Wakizashi Sword - Shinto Nice signed Japanese Wakizashi Sword - Shinto

I just received some interesting information from a very nice gentleman who was kind enough to give me the full translation from the tang markings. This Samurai Wakizashi sword, is actually signed as follows;
Izumi = a Japanese province
no Kami = an honorary title
Kanesada = the swordsmith's name

This additional information is greatly appreciated. I am an admirer, but nothing close to knowledgeable enough to trust my own translations, so thank you again James.

This old Samurai Sword dates to Japan's Shinto Period, which makes this blade between three and four hundred years old. Hard to believe something so old could still look so good. The reason these old Japanese swords so often seem to have ignored the passing of time is that to Japan's Master sword smiths, their entire life was dedicated to sword making. Their dedication to their work elevated the craft to an art. None before and no one since has even come close to matching their skills.
This great antique wakizashi is one of those fine, proud swords. I tried to include as many important photos as possible, but if you would like to see more, please ask.
This wakizashi measures 18 and 1/2 inches from tip to notch, 26 inches in all. I have had this for several years and in that time I've added a very old tsuka that looked good and fit well. The tsuka has been used hard and has a lot of character, which I think suits the blade. The tsuba is one I chose only because it fit well and by doing that it would help protect this great old blade. It is of the WWII style and will do until the right one comes along. The saya is a perfect fit to the sword and has always been with it. As you can see it needs a little repair, but overall it is solid and strong. The blade is strait and sharp and true. Yes it is in need of a polish, but the kissaki is excellent and the body is free of any major defects. The temper line is quite nice, but at times hard to find. As the photos show, this sword is full of life. A fine Shinto period wakizashi, signed by its maker nearly four centuries ago. Now I call that a treasure. JM

Condition: antique - good - out of polish
Manufacturer: New Information about maker and province
Author: Kanesada- sword maker  

Signed Edo Samurai Sword - WWII Shin Gunto Mount
It has been more than ten years since the old Marine who reluctantly sold this sword to me was laid to rest, but I will always remember the look in his eyes when I asked him how he had come by it. It was the same look my
Father used to get when as a boy I would keep pestering him, trying to get him to tell me how many enemy soldiers he’d killed as he and the Rainbow Division fought their way toward Berlin near the end of World War II. It was a far away look. A look of sadness mixed with hurt as if the act of remembering itself was so painful there were times I swear I saw a tear at the corner of his eye. "Way too many good men died on both sides of that war," was about all he’d ever say before grabbing me in his bear like arms and tickling me mercilessly, which was usually my dad’s method of choice when he wanted to change the subject with me.
As for this particular World War II veteran bring-back, the old soldier said he got it while on the island of Iowa Jim and that was about all he had to say on the subject. In the years since I bought the sword, I have learned a little more about Japanese swords, at least enough to tell you the basics about this old beauty. This sword is a Samurai sword that bears not only the sword maker’s name and the date it was crafted, but also the Japanese Arsenal stamping and another small mark I have not been able to figure out to this day. The sword itself is mounted in typical Shin Gunto Army style, but for a few exceptions likely requested by the sword’s owner on behalf of his family name. The sheath, or saya is metal that has then been covered in leather, which was done to reduce noise while carrying. The hilt or tsuka is also typical shin gunto, with the classic cotton cord binding that ties into the pommel or kashira at the base of the handle and is usually found on swords carried into battle. The tsuba or guard is not one normally seem on a shin gunto, neither are the various spacers and fittings on either side of the plain iron tsuba. These small differences, combined with the fact that this sword has a second, older mekugi-ana, or hole in its tang; a sign of a previous mounting, perhaps in a family sword as well as the extensive markings found on the tang and finally the overall high quality of this blade, leads me to believe this sword is indeed an old family sword made for a Samurai of the Edo Period.
I suppose I could ask a specialist to tell me exactly what the markings say, but I have always preferred mystery over strict facts, so if you like the sword and are inclined to discover more about its past, here is a chance to do exactly that. As far as the facts I do have, this swords was carried during one of the bloodiest periods of World War II, in one of the most horrific battlefields ever imagined, so what I saw in that old Marine’s eyes I would rather never again have to be remembered by any soldier, anywhere.

Blade measures 34 1/4 inches overall and is 25 1/2 inches to the notch at the habaki. Saya is 27 3/4 inches and has heavy wear to the leather. Tsuka is 9 3/4 inches and in very good condition. Blade is strait, clean and sharp and I can find no flaws or defects in the metal. Needs polished to reveal temper line and other fine details, but seems a very high grade sword.
Condition: very good
Manufacturer: Japanese Swordsmith