According to Google AI, the center cartouche is the maker's mark which says "Master Craftsman. "The other two characters say ""High Quality" and "Special Selection. The blade is laminated as are most Japanese plane blades.   Please do your own research as I am relying on Google. I can tell you it sings when you draw it down a piece of wood and leaves a great finish that doesn't need sanding.The dai/wooden body sole was lapped and corrected . The dai mouth was corrected to better fit the blade.  It was also waxed twice. The chip breaker and blade backs were lapped flat to ensure a great cutting edge. The chip breaker bevel was corrected to the traditional 60/20 degrees and to properly fit the blade.The blade bevel was corrected(approx25-26 degrees) and sharpened to 10000 grit. The blade and chip breaker were coated with traditional Japanese camellia oil. It is a lighter oil that seeps into the scratches left from sharpening which prevents rust and gives a better cut.  This plane is set up and ready to go. Just tap down the blade and smooth away. .