Painted letter on Type 44

[jarrodeu]

I purchased this Type 44 back in the spring. It’s pretty beat up and certainly saw some use. I was wondering if you could tell me what the yellow painted letter on the stock means?
I assume it was Japanese added but I guess it could also have been added by the person who brought it back.

Thanks,
Jarrod

[Midmichigun]

Jar,
WOW... nice! I can't help you, except to say that you have a nice find!
Generally, I have had problems with people helping me translate the "kanji" markings on my rifles. One statement that I was given, was that it is an archaic form of Japanese.
I look forward to what our experts say!
When it comes to keeping the kanji markings, I do the best I can to preserve them....

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

It’s pretty beat up and certainly saw some use

That is a Good thing. Appears to be a good unmolested rifle.

[Bill Hollinger]

Is the mum intact and do the numbers match?

[jarrodeu]

Numbers are mismatched and the mum is ground, which is why it was relatively cheap (by type 44 standards). Dust cover is missing too as is apparent by the wear patterns.
What amazes me is the amount of wear on the upper sling swivel. Must have taken a ton of carrying to create that much wear.
The stock has repairs in the upper toward the bayonet. The bayonet appears nearly new, probably to replace the bayonet that was damaged when the stock was damaged.
I believe it is a Kokura Series 1.

Some more pictures below.



Jarrod

[Capt Mil Coll]

Dayammmmm I like it. I like the rifles that are as close to the battlefield as possible. Id say that one is damm close.
It does look like it was stored in not ideal conditions but still I LIKE IT! Thanks for the pics.

[Bill Hollinger]

Jarrod, that front sight took one heck of a blow too. Overall, I'm liking it lots! Thanks for the additional photos.