Hachimaki

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

Takeru Kobayashi wearing a hachimaki, 2010

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.

Styles

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.

Common slogans

Some common slogans include:

  • Ichiban一番 (number one)
  • Gōkaku (ごうかく/合格, success)
  • Hisshō (必勝, determined to win)
  • Nihon/Nippon (日本, Japan)
  • Kamikaze (神風, divine wind)
  • Tōkonとうこん/闘魂 (fighting spirit)

[1] [2]

  • Hachimaki sold in a store
  • A kamikaze pilot wearing a plain hachimaki
  • Another kamikaze pilot wearing a hachimaki decorated with the kanji raijin (雷神, "thunder god")
  • A kamikaze pilot ties a hachimaki on his fellow pilot
  • Kōshirō Matsumoto IV as Sakanaya Gorobee by Sharaku
  • The winner of a 2011 WTCC race wears a hachimaki


See also

References
  1. "Jisho.org: Japanese Dictionary". jisho.org.
  2. "Jisho.org: Japanese Dictionary". jisho.org.


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