I'm a blacksmith and on my last visit to Kyoto I bought this hammer at anantique shop. It has quickly become one of my favorite hammers to use. I recently decided to derust it properly and in doing so I discovered this makers mark on it's underside.
I realize that this is not the typical content of this sub, but I believe it's probably the only shot to find out who made/used it before me.
by Lasse-Bohn