This is a well made sword by Akamatsu Taro Kanehiro.  His real name is Kimura Kaoru.  He was born in 1961 as a son of Kimura Kaneshige who was a pupil of Kurihara Akihide.  Kurihara Akihide was a very famous smith that advocated the revival movement of the Japanese Sword in his time period.  

This sword has a very elegant shape and is extremely well balanced.  It would be a great collectable sword for someone interested in owning  a well made sword of the shinsakuto period.  It would also make for an excellent training sword for a serious iaido practitioner looking to further his or her skills.  The sword is just over 30″ long and does not feel heavy at all.  The hamon is very interesting and shows some hataraki.  The hada is well forged and the sword has not flaws that would take away from this fine sword.  The mounts are in a Higo style and  made for this sword.  The handle is wrapped in a blue Ito and is in great shape.