The Japanese Hat: Different Types of Headgear

An essential part of any outfit is what goes on the head. Headwear represents a historical period and an essential component of virtually every costume. They are now more of a fashion statement than a necessity. But many years ago, a Japanese hat represented rank, position, job, or similar distinctions.

Hats were not worn randomly, although there was some element of personal choice. People from different walks of life wore hats, from farmers tending the fields to soldiers fighting in battle. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best hats and headgear historically worn in Japan.

Kanmuri

Kanmuri is a tall hat for the adult noble and samurai class. This formal hat dates back to the Heian era (794-1185). Initially worn by the nobility on formal occasions, the kanmuri is now part of traditional Shinto (Japanese religion) priests’ clothing. This black, lacquered hat consists of a low cap with a tall knob on the back. A thin, wired, or lacquered strip of cloth and wooden crossbar are attached to the back of the knob.

Kanzashi

Kanzashi are hair accessories with a metal or wooden base adorned with silk accents. But kanzashi can be any stick-like object with a pointed tip used to hold a hairstyle in place. They are all hand-stitched, not glued together, ensuring they are made to last!

The hair accessory emerged during the Heian period when ladies began to wear their hair in intricate coiffed styles. They gained widespread popularity during the latter Edo era (603-1868 ) as new styles were developed. Geishas, for instance, have had iconic hairstyles throughout history, and this is also because of the symbolic hair decorations they use. So, it’s no surprise that people associate these elegant and detailed Japanese hairpins with geishas and brides.

Tokin

The tokin is a small, black, box-shaped hat traditional to Japan, which yamabushi (mountain ascetic hermits) wear on their foreheads. The tokin has been worn since the Kamakura period (1185–1333) or the Muromachi period (1336–1573). It was a cap made of silk with four strings attached to the front and back of the cap. The two ageo (front strings) were usually tied at the top of the head. Meanwhile, the enbi (back strings) was tied to the back of the head.

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Hachimaki

Regarding cultural icons, one headwear item embodies the quintessential image of Japan—the hachimaki. It’s a type of headband, usually made of red or white cloth, featuring a design at the front. In modern Japan, hachimaki are often emblazoned with slogans and red circles reminiscent of the flag of Japan. Hachimaki may be worn to showcase Japanese patriotism or sporting pride. In Western popular culture, hachimaki are stereotypically associated with karate and other martial artists.

Japanese legend also states that hachimaki strengthens the spirit and keeps the wearer safe from evil spirits and demons. The trend is thought to have started with the samurai, who wore the headbands underneath their helmets to absorb sweat. 

Kasa

Kasa generally refers to any style of traditional Japanese woven straw hat. They are a class of hats typically worn to protect the wearer against the weather. Many kasa were waterproofed with lacquer or tree sap, but particular types of straw were water-resistant. As with many traditional garments, the style dictated the materials used to construct it. It is generally made of bamboo, sedges, rushes, wicker, and grasses rice straw. 

Kasa came in various styles, which may be utilized to determine the wearer’s occupation. Each kind of kasa has a specified shape and size, the key factor distinguishing them from another. Kasa were usually painted black. The middle class and higher class wore vermillion and gold-colored caps. Possibly, certain types of Kasa were embossed with the Mon crest.

What makes a Japanese hat unique?

People wear Japanese hats because they allow them to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and style. They’re a unique fashion accessory that tells a tale of tradition and modernity.  We live in an age where we don’t have to wear hats for status; they’re used for fashion. Hats are now used to make a look more attractive, but they surely carry a lot of history and significance. Have you heard of any of these Japanese hats before? Do you have a favorite type of Japanese headgear? Let me know in the comments below!