Three 19th-century Samurai armours, gifted to Malta in 1862 during Japan’s first diplomatic mission to Europe, have been brought back to life in Japan after decades of deterioration. Thanks to a collaborative effort between Heritage Malta, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Embassy of Malta in Japan, and Malta Enterprise, the priceless artefacts have finally been restored.

One of the suits will be showcased at the Malta Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, alongside a historic suit of armour from the Order of St John, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Japan. Replicas of Malta’s iconic artefacts like the Majmuna Stone, Neolithic Seated Figure, and Phoenician Cippus will also be on display.

The Samurai armour was originally presented by a Japanese delegation that included Yukichi Fukuzawa – a famed philosopher, educator, and founder of Keio University. This visit, part of the Bunkyu Mission, marked the first-ever Japanese presence in Malta, as the delegation journeyed through Europe to renegotiate international treaties.

One of the suits remained on display at the Grand Master’s Palace Armoury until World War II, after which it was stored underground for safekeeping. Unfortunately, as often happens in Malta, humidity caused severe damage, and the artefacts were left unexhibited for decades.

That changed in 2016, when Malta’s Ambassador to Japan, André Spiteri, recognised their historical importance and led efforts to restore them. The Kyoto Art Restoration Centre, led by Harumasa Miyashita, took on the meticulous work. During the process, experts discovered elements from a previously undocumented third suit, making this an unexpected and valuable rediscovery.

When Expo 2025 comes to a close, the armour will be making its way back home, to be proudly displayed once again at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta.

Well done to everyone involved!