Returning a WW2 Katana to descendants
I’ve the katana my father (dec’d) brought back to Australia from Borneo near the end of WW2. My siblings and I have decided to try and return it to the descendants of the owner/soldier.
Having submitted earlier this year the forms required by the Consulate-General of Japan here in Oz for the return of wartime artefacts, I anticipate hearing from them later this year whether the characters on the inside of the scabbard identify the owner and hence the descendants and whether the descendants accept my offer for the sword’s return.
Just wondering if anyone has gone through this process and can share their experiences, a successful return or otherwise?
Ideally, I’d like to personally present the sword in Japan to the descendants if: they are identified; they agree to accept and; they agree to my presentation.