Original Japanese WWII USGI Bring Back Nickel Plated Type 98 Shin-Gunto Katana by KOJIMA KANENORI with Steel Scabbard - dated 1943 GWOT The left side reads:

The left side reads:

which is a 1st model with a date

Shooting competitions were common during the pre-war years as way to both improve marksmanship and also foster a sense of friendly competition / comradery among the troops

and everything else

with some small tears along the bottom

Original Japanese WWII USGI Bring Back Nickel Plated Type 98 Shin-Gunto Katana by KOJIMA KANENORI with Steel Scabbard - dated 1943 GWOT The left side reads:Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a large military show, this is a real USGI Bring Back wartime production Japanese officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin Gunto ( kyhachi shiki gunt) setting. The Type 98 fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. The blade tang is signed by the maker, and appears to be handmade in the traditional fashion. A Shin Gunt (, new military sword) is a weapon and symbol of rank