Japan’s Council for Cultural Affairs has today submitted a report to the nation’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology recommending that the moored NYK museum ship Hikawa Maru be designated as an important cultural property. Hikawa Maru will be the first transoceanic liner to receive this designation.
In the report, Hikawa Maru was praised for the role it has played in Japan’s society and economy
“Cargo-passenger ships were the primary means of international transport for the first half of the 20th century, and during those years Hikawa Maru provided a service between Japan and Seattle, the main route of that time. In World War II, the ship served as a hospital ship, and after the war concluded Hikawa Maru was used to transport demobilized soldiers and repatriated citizens,” NYK said in a release.
The value of the ship to shipbuilding and industrial art was also highlighted in the report.
When the ship was completed in 1930, its very large diesel engine was the most advanced of its time. In addition, the ship’s designed interior was the first import of art deco architecture to Japan.
On April 23, an event to celebrate the ship’s 86th birthday is scheduled to take place onboard. More details on the vessel, which has welcomed more than 2m visitors in its lifetime, can be found here.
NYK said in the release it will continue its efforts “to stimulate interest in the maritime industry and its ships by providing current and future generations with a link to Japan’s maritime history”.
