Help identifying the maker of a 1980's yanagiba?

One of my mentors, a sushi chef, went to Kyoto in approximately 1982-1984. He brought back a yanagiba as a gift for me. It is a left-handed knife. I'm told it was made by one of the best shokunins in Japan who is no longer with us. My mentor told me the shokunin wouldn't make a left-handed saya as he felt it was bad luck for some reason.

I've attached a photo of the writing on the blade. Might anyone know the maker of this knife?

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Thanks for your help.

Welcome

Looks like a Masamoto

Yes, it sure does. Thanks so much for your help!