The weekend was a raging success.
Saturday night had my 30th birthday party at Lucky -- everyone was in fine form in traditional Japanese yukata. Photos coming soon.
Sunday we had a koushukai at the Nikon Sports Gym, and then in the afternoon the sword dealer had his wares spread out, and I found my sword. Ended up paying 528,000 yen (about US$5000). Still have to take photos, but here's the stats:
Made in August 2000 in Sasshu, Kagoshima Prefecture, by Morimoto Moriatsu.
2-shaku, 3-sun, 5-bu (71.3 cm) length, 1.6 cm sori (curve), 850 grams, one mekugi, black leather handle wrap over white same (stingray skin), mixed fittings (silver fuchi and kashira, iron/gold (?) menuki, iron tsuba, and a sweet black and red/brown speckled saya (scabbard) with same wrap below the koiguchi. Not a great description but I'll post some photos soon.
First practice with it tonight: goal is to not remove any fingers!