Japanese Hand Painted Vase

My husband inherited this vase from his stepfather. His stepfather had inherited it from his aunt in 1969 (he would have been 54 years old then). We really do not have any history other than it was a treasured possession of his. The bottom of the vase says Made In Japan Hand Painted. There is, also, a symbol beneath that appears to be in the shape of a shield maybe? We think there are Japanese symbols along the top of the "shield," but it is very hard to make out. We are wondering if it is a specific style so we could begin researching. Any help would be appreciated! : )