Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that it has participated as sponsors of the Museo del Galeón*1, a maritime museum being built in Pasay City in the Philippines with its business partner in the Philippines, Rayomar Management, Inc. (Rayomar).*2 It aims to support the cultural contribution to the maritime industry in the Philippines that this museum, along with Rayomar, aspires to achieve.
On November 29, a presentation ceremony was held in Manila to donate model galleons to the museum. The ceremony was attended by Chairperson Carlos C. Salinas and Director Gerardo A. Borromeo from the museum, President Garcia from Rayomar, and President Yukikazu Myochin from “K” LINE. Galleons were large sailing ships used by Spain and Portugal from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
The museum will showcase the history of the galleon trade*3, during which galleons were used, that took place between the Philippines and Mexico from 1565 to 1815. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on October 8, 2025.
By supporting this initiative, “K” LINE hopes to contribute to the promotion of the maritime industry in the Philippines, which provides more seafarers than any other country.
“K” LINE Managing Executive Officer Akihiro Fujimaru
Rayomar President Jose Ramon R. Garcia
“K” LINE President Yukikazu Myochin
Rayomar Chairperson Ramon C. Garcia
Museo del Galeón Chairperson Carlos C. Salinas
Ventis VP Kennette F. Clavel
*1. It is a non-profit organization accredited by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Museo del Galeón Inc.: https://museodelgaleon.org/
*2. In 1989, we established a joint venture to create a staffing agency for Filipino seafarers. We are engaged in the recruitment and placement of Filipino seafarers, providing stable staffing for our operating vessels. Additionally, in 2017, we established a joint venture to create a finished vehicle logistics company, becoming an important partner in “K” LINE’s logistics business.
Rayomar Management, Inc.: https://www.rayomar.com.ph/
*3. Galleon trade route, known as the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, played a vital role in connecting Asia, America, and Europe during the colonial period. This trade not only promoted commerce but also facilitated the exchange of culture, ideas, and goods. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on October 8, 2025. The galleon trade had strong ties to Japan as well. In the late 16th century, Japan was one of the world’s leading silver-producing countries, making silver a key commodity in the galleon trade. This silver was shipped to Spain via Mexico and exchanged for goods in Europe and other Asian countries.