Malta Short Let: Cozy Stay in Gzira
Sliema Area Modern Designer Finished 2 Bedrooms + Games Room. First floor with Maltese Balcony Large back Terrace with swinging sofa Fully Airconditioned + Full Kitchen 3 TVs, including 65” with backlight.
Book Now: Google Travel | Direct (Cheapest) | Booking.com | Airbnb

Introduction

In a remarkable tale of rediscovery, three sets of Japanese samurai armour, gifted to Malta in 1862, have been brought back to life after decades of neglect.

These historical treasures, will take centre stage at the Malta Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This exhibition not only showcases the craftsmanship of these artefacts but also celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Japan.

The project, a collaboration between Maltese and Japanese institutions, underscores the power of cultural preservation and international friendship, offering visitors a chance to witness history revitalized.

Historical Background

The story of these armours begins in 1862 during Japan’s Bunkyu Mission, a diplomatic effort to renegotiate treaties with European nations.

Led by Yukichi Fukuzawa, a samurai, educator, and founder of Keio University, the delegation stopped in Malta, marking the first recorded visit of Japanese nationals to the island. As a gesture of goodwill, three sets of samurai armour were gifted to Malta, symbolizing respect and cultural exchange.

These armours were displayed at the Grand Master’s Palace Armoury in Valletta, a historic site from the era of the Knights of Malta, until World War II. To protect them, they were moved to underground storage, but the high humidity and salty air severely damaged their silk and leather components, leaving them unfit for display for decades. For more on Malta’s historical significance, explore this Brief History of Malta.

Restoration Process

In 2016, Malta’s Ambassador to Japan, H.E. André Spiteri, visited the Palace Armoury and recognized the armours’ cultural and historical value.

He spearheaded a collaborative restoration project involving Heritage Malta, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the Embassy of Malta in Japan. In 2023, the fragile armours were transported to Japan, where experts at the Kyoto Art Restoration Centre, led by Harumasa Miyashita, meticulously restored them.

Miyashita, a master conservator and tea ceremony practitioner, used traditional techniques to preserve the original materials. During the process, the team discovered parts of a previously undocumented third suit, transforming the project into a significant rediscovery. One armour, a steel suit from the mid-Edo Period (1603–1867), stands out for its exceptional quality, comparable to those worn by top-ranking samurai serving Daimyo feudal lords.

“Being entrusted with such historical treasures gives me a great sense of awe and responsibility. We’ll do our best with all of our artisan skills and expertise.” – Harumasa Miyashita

Exhibition at Expo 2025

From April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Malta Pavilion at Expo 2025, located on Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, will showcase one of the restored samurai armours.

This display, part of the expo’s theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will feature the armour alongside a suit from the Order of St John and replicas of Maltese artefacts, such as the Neolithic Seated Figure, the Majmuna Stone, and the Phoenician Cippus of Malta. The exhibition celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Japan, highlighting their shared commitment to cultural preservation.

The pavilion’s limestone-clad facade, designed as a “temporal gateway,” blends Malta’s ancient heritage with modern technology, creating an immersive experience for an expected 28 million visitors. For travel tips to plan your visit, see this Malta Travel Guide.

Cultural and Diplomatic Significance

This project is more than an exhibition; it’s a testament to the enduring friendship between Malta and Japan.

What was once a forgotten diplomatic gift has been transformed into a vibrant symbol of shared heritage, soon to be admired by millions at Expo 2025. After the expo, the armour will return to the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, where it will continue to inspire visitors, as explored in this Valletta Self-Guided Tour.

The initiative, supported by Malta Enterprise, reflects Heritage Malta’s dedication to safeguarding cultural treasures and the power of international collaboration. Ambassador Spiteri’s personal involvement, including accompanying the armours to Japan, underscores the commitment to this cultural bridge.

Other Restorations

The restoration of these armours parallels other efforts to preserve historical artefacts, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum’s conservation of a samurai “living doll” model. The Kyoto Art Restoration Centre’s traditional techniques align with Japan’s emphasis on authenticity, making this project a model for global heritage preservation. The Expo 2025 setting, with its focus on sustainability and innovation, provides an ideal platform to showcase these armours, linking historical craftsmanship with future societal visions. For more on Malta’s historical resilience, read about its role in World War II.

FAQ

1. What is the significance of the samurai armour at Expo 2025?
   • The armour symbolizes the historical and cultural ties between Malta and Japan, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations.
2. Who was involved in the restoration of the armour?
   • The restoration involved Heritage Malta, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Embassy of Malta in Japan, and the Kyoto Art Restoration Centre, led by Harumasa Miyashita.
3. What else will be displayed at the Malta Pavilion?
   • Alongside the samurai armour, there will be a suit from the Order of St John and replicas of Maltese artefacts like the Neolithic Seated Figure, Majmuna Stone, and Phoenician Cippus.
4. When and where is Expo 2025 taking place?
   • Expo 2025 will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, at Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
5. What happens to the armour after the expo?
   • The armour will be displayed at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, Malta.
6. Why is the restored armour unique?
   • One armour, from the mid-Edo Period, is of high quality, comparable to those worn by elite samurai.

Summary

Aspect	Details
Origin	Gifted in 1862 during Bunkyu Mission, led by Yukichi Fukuzawa.
Condition Before	Severely damaged, stored in military basement, affected by humidity and salt.
Restoration Start	Initiated in 2016, sent to Japan in 2023.
Restoration Leader	Harumasa Miyashita, Kyoto Art Restoration Centre.
Notable Armour	Mid-Edo Period steel suit, high quality, comparable to top-ranking samurai.
Expo 2025 Display	Malta Pavilion, April 13 to October 13, 2025, with Order of St John armour and Maltese replicas.
Post-Expo Location	Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta, Malta.
Diplomatic Context	Celebrates 60 years of Malta-Japan relations, cultural diplomacy initiative.

Conclusion

The restoration and exhibition of the samurai armour at Expo 2025 is a powerful story of cultural preservation and international friendship. It showcases how historical artefacts can bridge nations and inspire future generations. Visitors to Expo 2025 should not miss the Malta Pavilion to witness this remarkable piece of history. For those eager to explore Malta’s rich heritage further, dive into our Malta Travel Guide or discover the legacy of the Knights of Malta.

See also :
Foreign n Affairs press release