Photo/Illutration A samurai armor suit gifted to Malta in the 19th century by a Japanese delegation to Europe (Junko Saimoto)

KYOTO--Suits of samurai armor given to Malta as diplomatic gifts in the 19th century returned to Japan for repair work ahead of their exhibition at the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the suits of armor shine again,” said Andre Spiteri, the Maltese ambassador to Japan. “I hope the restoration project will highlight the historic relationship between Malta and Japan, promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries."

Although kept in boxes, the three sets of armor have been severely damaged while they sat in a corner of a military basement storage for decades, eroded by the salty air of the Mediterranean island country.

One of the artifacts, a steel suit of armor from the mid-Edo Period (1603-1867), is of excellent quality, comparable to those worn by top-ranking samurai who served Daimyo feudal lords of the time, according to those in charge of restoring it.

“Being entrusted with such historical treasures gives me a great sense of awe and responsibility,” said Harumasa Miyashita, the president of Miyaobi, a Kyoto-based antiques dealer and repairer commissioned to restore the armor suits.

“We’ll do our best with all of our artisan skills and expertise,” Miyashita added.

The restored samurai armor suits will be on display at the expo along with armor suits of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

The artifacts were gifted in 1862 by a Japanese delegation to Europe during a stopover on the strategically important island, then under British rule.

The Japanese mission included Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901), an influential author and educator, who later played a key role in the country’s modernization.

Related News