More mystery from (perhaps) Japan

I would encourage you to NOT take the rust of the nakago yourself, since that is an important part of the way a sword is dated.
 
I would advise removing the rust from the tang at least, so the condition of the whole blade does not deteriorate in the future.
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EEK, I don't like to come across as harsh, but that is one of the worst things you can do to a Japanese sword.

Triton is correct.

DO NOT remove the patinated rust from the nakago ever on an antique Japanese sword. The patination of the nakago is a very important part of the sword. If it has any value it will be lost or at least severely compromised by removing the old patinated rust.

What I said previously was to do nothing more than wipe some of the red(new) rust off with a cloth only, NO CHEMICALS, NO ABRASIVE PADS, NOTHING, NADA !!

There are different schools of thought on whether one should even oil the nakago(tang). I personally feel that a light coat of choji oil will not harm the nakago and prevent new(red) rust from forming. But that is only my opinion, others will disagree.
 
The owner is taking the leave-it-be road per the suggestions on this thread, he adds his thanks to mine. :)
 
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