http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20040...dm002000c.html
MANATSURU, Kanagawa -- A priceless collection of samurai swords and a feudal-era spear have been stolen from the home of a university professor here, police said.
The 17 items, mostly samurai swords dating from the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), were stolen from the home of Yukio Nasu, 57, a professor at Bunkyo University.
Nasu had received special permission to collect the antique weapons, which he did mainly for his own enjoyment.
Police said that Nasu, who lives alone, had been on vacation from Dec. 31, returning home on Friday to discover that the valuable artifacts he had stored in his home had been stolen.
An investigation into the case continues. (Mainichi and wire reports, Japan, Jan. 4, 2004)