Japanese tachi (military fighting sword), which belonged to a Japanese Army Officer, the tachi consists of a two-handed hilt. The tachi has a white shark-skin grip, and is bound with silk cord. The grip is further decorated with two ornamental studs, which are not opposite each other. The tachi has a lacquered brass pommel with a ring. The steel blade is curved and has a ridged-back. The black wooden scabbard has two brass bands, one steel band and a chape. The tachi is extensively decorated with cherry blossom, which is regarded by the Japanese as auspicious. Ishihara Naotane of Seki made the tachi between 1940 and 1945. The tachi was surrendered to British Forces in 1945. This tachi was presented to the Museum by Lord Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia.