On January 8, 2026, Nippon Yusen will hold a meeting of experts to discuss the long-term preservation of the "NYK Hikawa Maru," which is open to the public in front of Yamashita Park in Yokohama City, and will officially launch its long-term preservation project.
<Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property: "NYK Hikawa Maru">
The "NYK Hikawa Maru" is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, established in 2016, and is moored and preserved in front of Yamashita Park in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a passenger and cargo ship completed in 1930 for the North American route, and is the only one of its kind built in Japan before World War II that still exists today.
Since 2024, Nippon Yusen has been conducting investigations to confirm the safety and soundness of the Hikawa Maru's hull in preparation for large-scale repairs for its long-term preservation. While continuing various investigations, a meeting of experts will be held based on the results of the investigations conducted so far.
Experts in ship preservation and architecture will participate in the meeting, where they will discuss basic policies for large-scale repairs and methods of preservation and exhibition that will contribute to the revitalization of the Yokohama waterfront area.
