Hachimaki

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A hachimaki (鉢巻) is a stylized headband in the Japanese culture, usually made of red or white cloth, worn as a symbol of perseverance or effort by the wearer, 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, bōsōzoku (biker gangs) and even rioters. They were famously worn by kamikaze pilots in World War II. Also another example would be that the Japanese competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi wore hachimaki for the Nathan's hotdog eating competition.

They are generally decorated with various inspirational slogans, typically the rising sun motif.

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 perspiration, and keep hair out of their eyes.