Takeru Kobayashi wearing a hachimaki, 2010

A hachimaki (鉢巻) is a Japanese headband, usually made of red or white cloth, typically featuring a design of kanji at the front. It is worn as a symbol of effort or courage by the wearer, especially by those in the military, or to simply keep sweat off one's face.

History

The origin of the hachimaki is uncertain. The most common theory states that they originated as headbands worn by samurai, worn underneath armour to stop cuts from their helmets and to make wearing their helmets more comfortable.

Kamikaze pilots wore hachimaki before flying to their deaths.

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  A kamikaze pilot wearing a plain hachimaki
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  Another kamikaze pilot wearing a hachimaki decorated with the kanji jinrai (神雷, "god thunder")
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  A kamikaze pilot ties a hachimaki on his fellow pilot

Styles

Hachimaki sold in a store

Hachimaki are typically decorated with inspirational slogans, such as Nippon Ichi (日本一, "the best of Japan"). They are also typically decorated with the rising sun motif, usually in the center of the headband.

Gallery

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  Kabuki actor Kōshirō Matsumoto IV playing Sakanaya Gorobee, print designed by Sharaku
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  The winner of a 2011 WTCC race wears a hachimaki
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  Professional wrestler Shinya Hashimoto seen wearing a plain white hachimaki, a staple of his entry costume.
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  Author Yukio Mishima wearing a hachimaki moments before his death.

See also

• Tenugui

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hachimaki.