On January 8, 2026, NYK will launch an expert committee dedicated to the long-term preservation of Hikawa Maru, a national Important Cultural Property moored in front of Yokohama’s Yamashita Park.
Since 2024, NYK has been conducting surveys on the hull of Hikawa Maru to assess its safety and structural integrity in preparation for large-scale repairs. This long-term preservation project aims not only to ensure the ship’s structural soundness but also to enhance public engagement with the ship’s rich historical legacy.
Based on our findings, NYK will convene an expert committee specializing in ship preservation and architecture. This committee will establish technical and conservation policies for repairs, determine best practices for upkeep, and create exhibition strategies to help revitalize the Yokohama waterfront area.
Built in 1930, the 95-year-old Hikawa Maru needs preservation to remain safely accessible and educational. This project aims to preserve its historic shipbuilding and design heritage while ensuring safety through expertise from Japan and abroad.
Hikawa Maru
The vessel, which NYK built in 1930 for the Japan–Seattle line, remains the only extant passenger-cargo ship constructed in pre-war Japan. Its luxurious amenities and elegant appearance attracted numerous prominent individuals. Since 1961, the ship has been maintained and preserved at its mooring in front of Yamashita Park serving as an enduring symbol of Yokohama. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2016.
