Marubeni has its origins in Japan’s traditional textiles industry. Our conservation activities for cultural heritage utilize the knowledge and networks we have acquired through collecting and managing the cultural works in the Marubeni Collection. Examples of these works include textile products and designs intimately associated with the textile industry, as well as Japanese and Western paintings. Through these assets, Marubeni Group will contribute to the conservation and passing down of traditional culture and techniques to succeeding generations.
Since its founding in 1858, Marubeni has pursued the aesthetic beauty of Japan through its textile business. Later, as the company expanded its business internationally, it also played a role in introducing Western aesthetics to Japan. In the 20th century, over a period of several decades, Marubeni acquired numerous works that showcase the aesthetic beauty of both East and West, including garments from Japan’s early modern period that inspired the Japonisme art movement in the West as well as works by Western artists who influenced modern Japanese painting. These are now an important part of the Marubeni Collection, which offers a unique view into the cultural exchanges that have taken place between Japan and the West, particularly Europe. Recognizing the value of these historical and cultural insights, Marubeni opened the Marubeni Gallery in November 2021 to more widely share the collection’s works. Designed under the concept of “a space where the aesthetics of the East and West in ancient and modern times resonate with each other”, the Marubeni Gallery today not only displays works from the Marubeni Collection, but also collaborates with various artists and museums to present other valuable works of art to the public.In addition, since July 2024, the Marubeni Collection database has been made publicly accessible, with the aim of making even greater contributions to academic research and cultural and artistic activities.
Approximately 400 dyed and woven textile pieces, mainly from the Edo period (1603–1868), are housed in the Marubeni Collection, including an Important Cultural Property (a cultural piece designated as important or significant by the government of Japan). Our conservation and repair projects are initiatives to restore works of high cultural and historical value, as well as cultural properties for which repair is urgently required due to significant deterioration, to a condition suitable for exhibition.From 2023 to 2025, Marubeni embarked on a two-year conservation and repair project for the piece “Furisode (Garment with long hanging sleeves) with Design of Latticework, Chrysanthemums, Paste-resist (Yuzen) and Embroidery on Parti-colored Silk Crepe (Chirimen)” (National Important Cultural Property No. 2704).For details on our Important Cultural Property Conservation and Repair Project, please visit Marubeni’s official YouTube channel.
Since 2024, we have been conducting repairs on pieces such as “Nuihaku with Kumodori (Stylized Cloud Patterns), Hanaorieda (Flowering Branches), and Long-Tailed Bird on Dark Blue Silk Satin.” This piece is a Noh costume said to have been passed down by the Date clan, a prominent samurai family. It was first acquired by Marubeni—a company with its origins as a wholesaler of textiles—when the company was collecting and conducting research into ancient textiles from the late 1920s to the 1930s. While the intricate designs made with skilled craftmanship are beautiful, signs of wear and tear, including fraying embroidery threads and previous alterations, have become evident, so Marubeni has embarked on a three-year roadmap to conduct repairs on the piece. These restoration efforts to preserve culturally and historically significant textiles within the Marubeni Collection will ensure that traditional Japanese textile culture is passed down to future generations.
Important Cultural Property Conservation and Repair Project Videos and Information
Every May, volunteers from Marubeni carry the mikoshi shrines for Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, as part of our contribution to the local community and to support the preservation of traditional culture.Approximately 800 employees of companies located in the Otemachi and Marunouchi areas, including Marubeni, come together to carry the mikoshi. The May 2025 festival saw 169 participants representing the Marubeni Group—employees and their family and friends—take part. Going forward, Marubeni will continue supporting these cultural activities in partnership with the local community.
