Hachimaki

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A hachimaki (鉢巻) is a stylised headband, usually made of red or white cloth, worn as a symbol of perseverance or effort, originating in Japan. These are worn on many occasions, for example, by women giving birth, students in cram school, office workers, expert tradesmen taking pride in their work, and even rioters. They were famously worn by kamikaze pilots in World War II.

They are generally decorated with various inspirational slogans, typicaly the rising sun motiff.

The historical origin of hachimaki is uncertain. One theory links the cloth to those worn by early religious ascetics. Another theory states that they originated in headbands worn by samurai that kept their helmets on, to absorb persperation, and keep hair out of their eyes.