05:37Japan: Sword of ousted Myanmar leader Suu Kyi restored in Tokyo
The sword of the detained former leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, was seen on display in Tokyo on Thursday after having been restored by the Nippon Foundation.
Executive Director from the Nippon Foundation could be seen unveiling the samurai-style sword, which features a wooden handle and a blade with intricately engraved designs.
Before being arrested and deposed as the leader of Myanmar, Suu Kyi had asked the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar to repair her sword, a feat which took over a year to complete.
Regarding how the sword made its way to Myanmar, Mori stated, "Actually, I personally have no idea."
Mori went on to explain that by analysing inscriptions on the sword, it appears to have been given to Lieutenant General Shojiro Iida in 1942, the Japanese Army's top commander in Burma.
The sword was allegedly given to Suu Kyi's father General Aung San, before being handed to her.
The sword, which was completely recovered after a year, is currently in the custody of the Nippon Foundation. Due to the uncertainty of Myanmar's political situation, Mori said the foundation will protect 'the national treasure' in the hope that one day it can be returned to its owner.
05:37The sword of the detained former leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, was seen on display in Tokyo on Thursday after having been restored by the Nippon Foundation.
Executive Director from the Nippon Foundation could be seen unveiling the samurai-style sword, which features a wooden handle and a blade with intricately engraved designs.
Before being arrested and deposed as the leader of Myanmar, Suu Kyi had asked the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar to repair her sword, a feat which took over a year to complete.
Regarding how the sword made its way to Myanmar, Mori stated, "Actually, I personally have no idea."
Mori went on to explain that by analysing inscriptions on the sword, it appears to have been given to Lieutenant General Shojiro Iida in 1942, the Japanese Army's top commander in Burma.
The sword was allegedly given to Suu Kyi's father General Aung San, before being handed to her.
The sword, which was completely recovered after a year, is currently in the custody of the Nippon Foundation. Due to the uncertainty of Myanmar's political situation, Mori said the foundation will protect 'the national treasure' in the hope that one day it can be returned to its owner.