Hello, this item is a Japanese Type 98 shin-guntō katana, likely produced in 1945 as indicated by the tang inscription (昭和二十年, “Showa 20,” the Japanese calendar year corresponding to 1945). The signature (mei) reads 小田一郎作 (Oda Ichirō saku), meaning “made by Oda Ichirō,” a smith name known among the late-war arsenal swordmakers. The blade, guard (tsuba), and fittings appear consistent with wartime military-issued swords, which were typically machine-made or oil-quenched and mass-distributed to Japanese officers during World War II.

These late-war katana carry both militaria and collectible value. Their appeal lies more in their historicity and completeness (especially if koshirae, scabbard, and mounts are intact) rather than traditional craftsmanship, unless signed by a gendaitō smith and traditionally forged.