Japanese Sword of Honour: An Indian officer’s quest to return a 200-year-old Japanese heirloom
A Samurai sword is currently in Goa with a retired navy officer, who got it from his uncle Flying Officer CGI Philip in 2005. Philip laid his hands on this sword in Moulmein in 1945 when Japan surrendered during WW II.
NEW DELHI: It’s a tale of conflict and honour, spanning Japan, Myanmar (then known as Burma), and India. Sword of Honour is the story of a 200-year-old Japanese heirloom — a samurai katana sword — and the quest to return it to the rightful owner. The News9 Plus, claimed to be the world’s first news OTT has brought forth the story when it recently spotted the officer in Goa, a Rear Admiral Philipose Pynumootil (Retd), who possesses this samurai katana sword. He wants to return it to the rightful owner of this sword.
People living in Japan are requested to help find the rightful owners of this lost Japanese heirloom. The family of the Imperial Japan Army soldier may be living in some part of Japan, or elsewhere in the world.
The tale began during World War II with Flying Officer CGI Philip of the 8th Squadron of Royal Indian Air Force, who was stationed in Burma by July 1945. On a high, after Japan surrendered, Philip and his companions seized the swords of the Japanese officers they met at Moulmein. That’s how Philip ended up with one such samurai sword, without realising its provenance and rich historical legacy.
“He thought it was just a weapon but later discovered that it was a family heirloom, possibly passed through centuries. He later regretted his actions. He still remembered the look of anger and hatred in the Japanese Colonel’s eyes,”
Katana swords, featuring a curved, single-edged blade, were once sported proudly by the Samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan. One can only imagine the anguish it must have caused the surrendering Japanese to have their family heirlooms taken away.
The sword is currently in Goa in the possession of Philip’s nephew, Rear Admiral Philipose Pynumootil (Retd), who got it from his uncle in 2005, on the condition that it be returned to its rightful owner.
At around 3 feet from the handle to the edge, the sword weighs about 2.5 kg. The blade is now blackened with age. The red leather is dry and tattered. A jaded family crest is still visible though difficult to decipher. Experts believe a sword of such vintage and provenance could be valued at around Rs two crore.
Philip, who retired as a Group Captain, died in 2012, leaving Philipose the task of locating the Japanese Colonel and his successors.
Hailing from a family steeped in military tradition and having spent a lifetime in the Indian Armed Forces, Philipose understands the importance of legacy. He continues to strive to give the story the proper ending.
The people in general, or Japanese natives staying or working in India, or those who are based in Japan can join this quest to fulfill a gentleman officer’s last wish. Please spread the word and aid Philipose in reaching the unnamed Imperial Japan Army officer or his family.
Philip left behind some clues. We know the Japanese officer was a colonel in the 33rd Army in Burma. We know he was over six feet tall.
Come forward if you have any idea — a name, a date, a location, anything — that could help return the heirloom to its rightful owner. Write to us at editor@asiancommunitynews.com
