I am pretty sure that this is simply a police sword. The stamped message on the guard says "Yamaguchi-ken (Prefecture) No. 1415". I see no evidence of military usage - and it certainly does not seem to have the fouled anchor on bottom of the scabbard which is - as I recall - the crest seen on navy police and prison guard swords. The circle crest on the side of the back strap is a police mark as is the 5 stem star on the strap.
Peter
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