Three sets of Japanese Samurai armour, originally gifted to Malta in 1862 during a diplomatic mission, have been expertly restored in Japan through a collaboration between Heritage Malta, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the Embassy of Malta in Japan.
One of the restored suits—alongside a historic armour of the Order of St John—will be exhibited at the Malta Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Japan.
The pavilion will also showcase replicas of iconic Maltese artefacts, including a Neolithic Seated Figure, the Majmuna Stone, and the Phoenician Cippus, reflecting Malta’s multicultural past.
The original Samurai gift was presented by a Japanese delegation that included Yukichi Fukuzawa—an influential Samurai, educator, and founder of Keio University.
This marked the first recorded visit of Japanese nationals to Malta, then a strategic stop on their journey to Europe.
The armour remained on display at the Grand Master’s Palace Armoury until WWII, when it was stored underground. Prolonged humidity caused serious deterioration, leaving it un-exhibitable for decades.
In 2016, Ambassador André Spiteri initiated efforts to restore the armour, enlisting the Kyoto Art Restoration Centre. Meticulous work revealed elements of a previously unknown third suit—an extraordinary rediscovery.
This initiative celebrates cultural diplomacy and revives a long-forgotten symbol of Malta-Japan friendship.
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