What is a Hachimaki? And why are they worn?

[@MaidenPasadena]

The hairstyle of Japanese samurai is called chonmage, and after the decree allowing free hairstyles (abolishment of chonmage) was issued in 1871 along with westernization, it suddenly disappeared. However, when a Japanese TV station went around nursing homes and interviewed them, an old woman in her 90s testified that she had seen a man with a chonmage when she was a child, suggesting that the strange hairstyle remained at least until the beginning of the 20th century in japan.

[@Justin-pe9cl]

Everyone (probably): We're finally done with this stupid haircut. LOL

[@josephsolowyk7697]

Yeah it's stupid and looks horrible.

[@マッシュポテト食べたい]

兜を被る為の髪型だったと読んだことがある 今ならwikipediaの参考文献でも見れば分かるかな

[@ちゃーちゃー-l5u]

水曜日のダウンタウンやな

[@josephsolowyk7697]

@@マッシュポテト食べたい I don't speak with gibberish letters sorry.

[@bigblue6917]

Obviously the origin of the hachimaki was to stop sweat running down your face with the added bonus for the soldier of helping to stop the helmet rubbing against the wearers head. In other cultures, such as in Europe, a close fitting cap would be worn serving the same purpose. The scarf served the originally served the same purpose as the hachimaki. In Ancient Rome, the garment was used to keep clean rather than warm. It was called a focale or sudarium (sudarium from the Latin for "sweat cloth") and was used to wipe the sweat from the neck and face in hot weather. They were originally worn by men around their necks or tied to their belts. And just as with the hachimaki could be used to stop the helmet rubbing on the head the scarf would be used by soldiers to stop their armour chafing around the neck. This can be seen on the soldiers modelled in the famous Terracotta Army as all wear scarfs. Something of note here is that the colours of those scarves would also be used to signify which unit they belonged to, similar to regimental colours worn by soldiers. When steel plate armour was introduced there was a need for something more substantial to protect the wearer so the gorget was introduced. So in effect the gorget is a steel scarf. Despite being depicted wearing a hachimaki in films one group of Japanese who would not wear them was the ninja. Some missions may have required them to use headbands or tenugui to blend in, but ninjas didn't use them often. If they did typically wear them you have to wonder what would be written on them. I'm a ninja and I've come to kill your leader may be something of a giveaway when you are trying to blend in and sneak passed the guards.

[@Elcore]

Excellent comment. But I'd say "I'm not a ninja ^___^" would've been a popular headband slogan for ninjas.

[@bigblue6917]

@@Elcore I see where you're coming from here but you get the feeling that might not have worked. I did read where one ninja was caught with the use of a kids ball. Ninja had to be masters of disguise and one of them tried to pass by the city guard at the main gate dressed as an old man. The guard captain suspecting the old man was the ninja and got a kid to quickly roll a ball at the old man's feet. The ninjas training kicked in and he leapt out of the way of the ball, right into the hands of the guard captain.

[@tintindb]

Someone needs to tell Godfrey Ho and Richard Harrison...

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Also if you're wearing a hachimaki, you're working a job that involves sweating, which tends to be a job where you're out in the open and very noticeable. Not great for a ninja trying to blend in with other people to collect information.

[@facuuu2809]

Ushankas were worn by Soviet soldiers in WW2 under their helmets

[@philipsalama8083]

Funnily enough, the Haramaki would continue to have a martial context in the post-war era. Yakuza members in the 50s and 60s, before the yakuza got organised and reduced their street violence, would wear heavily padded and stuffed Haramaki to protect against stab wounds to the stomach. They couldn't stop a knife completely, but made the wounds more shallow, which was often the difference between life and death.

[@invisi-bullexploration2374]

Until they figured out a little bit of urine applied to a blade made it a slow-kill weapon.

[@franciscomagallon3364]

​@@invisi-bullexploration2374 the Vietnamese used feeces

[@fool7491]

The handband at 2:20 didn't depict a rising sun but chrysanthemum and flowing river, which was the clan symbol of Kusunoki Masashige, the model samurai promoted by Imperial Japan. The words read "sacrifice for country for seven reincarnations". It's believed that he said these words at his late battle.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Thank you for adding this

[@prot07ype87]

@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq This needs to be pinned.

[@ThommyofThenn]

I remember in middle school i was into headbands and i internet searched "1980s headband" and it came up with a list of dad rock bands that had "head" in the name. It's actually part of how i became interested in Diamond Head

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Now you got me listening to Diamond Head today!

[@ThommyofThenn]

@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq i guess you are "Helpless" against their unique sort of NWOBHM!

[@Nghilifa]

@@ThommyofThenn and if he is, he can always read "The Prince".

[@larrydanadavid2435]

Dad rock bands?

[@RolloTonéBrownTown]

See, i always thought the hairline haircut thing was them recognising how powerful the receeding hairline can be

[@neilcook4686]

Glory to the balding men!

[@User_Un_Friendly]

@@neilcook4686 Unfortunately, the term “Baldy” is a common insult in Japan and other Asian countries. 🤣🐶

[@SuperTf2fan]

They understand Dale Gribble’s true power

[@ThommyofThenn]

I'm so glad people understand this

[@husbandsonfollowerleader9133]

Widow's peak master race.

[@ScoutSniper3124]

Tried to wear a traditional Hackimaki for a hard test, until the teacher realized it was all the answers written backwards so I could read them in the reflection of the guy in front of me's Darth Vadar helmet. Our school was a bit "Progressive" in its dress code.

[@mmouse1886]

That sounds more like daily Halloween in a school than any wishy washy attempts at being hip.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

🥸

[@franceisking]

With that level of cleverness why didn't you just study properly in the first place?

[@ResurrectionJP]

必●勝 prepare for death. and spirit. Greetings from Japan🎌

[@norm7312]

damn that sounds awesome

[@cyclicracer]

Interesting. I attend Japanese school on Sundays in the US and we wear hachimaki for undoukai, or a fitness competition that is held yearly by our school. We use the hachimaki to differentiate the two teams, red and white.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Johnny, just want to let you know that while I first came to your channel because it had some interesting videos about aircraft, tanks and...I thought that was all. After watching this video, I like that you have videos on other topics, using the same production value (good video clips that illustrate what you are talking about). Good work, and interesting topics that are somehow related to the other stuff. Keep it up! You are answering questions I did not think to ask anyone I know, but wondered about for years.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

This is some great feedback thank you so much. It really helps me as a creator. I like mixing up my projects as I have no particular expect knowledge on any given subject rather just an interest in overall history. :)

[@garfieldsmith332]

Thanks for posting this information on the Hachimaki. Learned some additional information about its' use. Some really great Japanese films shown in this video. I have seen a lot of them and have them on DVD.

[@rickoftherick4610]

Watching this video reminded me of the fact that some years ago, local sports teams popularized the wearing of team specific headbands, which is odd for were I live but at the same time made people really hyped to be at those events.

[@somethingelse4878]

Again ive learned something new JJs channel is a goldmine of info

[@Leo_HuangAB]

In China, we have something similar but the only difference is that ours are worn at funerals. I bought one in Japan, and showed it to my grandparents when I visited after the trip, my grandpa's first response was "Your Dad is still alive"

[@TheXtro101]

During the decade of the 1980s,hachimaki head bands became part of a U.S. subculture fashion style.Wore by some electro hip hop b-boy break dancers.And was worn by Officer "Larvell Jones" in one of the Police Academy comedy movies.

[@victorwaddell6530]

In a 1980s Prince music video one of the band members was wearing a Hachimaki . It may have been the song 1995 .

[@muskratrepairservices7701]

Recently watched a few of your videos. Concise, informative, no obnoxious voiceover begging for approval, and a rich comment section. Darn good stuff. You got yourself another subscriber, good sir. Keep it up.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Thanks so much. Welcome to the channel.

[@rismarck]

Very rare subject touched on, great work Johnny!

[@ThommyofThenn]

This channel will do that. Usually interesting topics done from a film perspective but sometimes we will get an obscure topic (for some people, myself included) and that's when the real learning starts

[@田中塁-o7u]

As mentioned at around 2:37, the message on Hachimaki is mostly about good luck or something like that but could be anything. I gonna write the popular massage down below so that you can tell which is which and don't get wired one as your collection/souvenir 日本　- Nihon, Japan 必勝　-Hissyoh, to WIN (the battle or match) 闘魂　-Toh kon, the fighting spirit (Appearing at 2:06) 神風　-Kamikaze 合格　-Goh kaku, to pass the exam(for the school or lisence) 七生報国　-Shichi Shoh Hoh koku, to be loyal to own country for eternity. (Appearing at 2:19. Though this one is rare to find) btw Johnny, I'd love to watch the weaponry of Godzilla(1953) which presents the post-WW2 Japanese military. With love

[@jkid4855]

必勝 actually means absolute, necessary victory

[@John.McMillan]

They are also very cool looking. "It's drip or die and I prefer both" ~ Unknown Kamikaze pilot - c. 1945

[@joeligma4721]

YOU EITHER DRIP, OR DROOOOOWN, SPIDAMAN

[@paleoph6168]

It's nice to see that the hachimaki isn't always associated with WW2 Japan.

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

It's time to get the band back together again.

[@masudashizue777]

The hachimaki kept sweat out of the eyes but also is a symbol of the person's determination, whether for passing a school exam or staging a coup. I've always thought it was a bit silly and have avoided wearing one.

[@williamromine5715]

While you were talking about the desire that hair be kept well kempt, the video showed a bunch of men who looked like their hair had been cut with a hack saw. Very amusing.

[@Grant-tz6nj]

Hey Johnny! I'd love to see you do a video of the Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr. Such a cool piece of history and simple engineering I find seldom recognized or represented, probably due to their rarity after the war.

[@SuperKonjac]

Why would he do a video on a seldom represented firearm with no footage to use

[@HITARIX]

It's a really good selection of movies you chose. Great movies and actors!

[@arnijulian6241]

The pronunciation was spot on except how native speaker whisper the letter (I) on the end of words but it is a very pedantic detail Johnny. Most natives Japanese don't even notice how it is something they do naturally unless you point it out.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

A Lil praise from Arni! I'll take it! 🙏

[@Crowniecrown]

Well, the 'ma' in hachimaki is pronounced with a soft 'mah' like 'marooned' rather than a hard 'A' like 'mackey'. I'm not sure what you mean by l because l isnt even an actual sound in the Japanese alphabet. Usually u is silent.

[@arnijulian6241]

​@@JohnnyJohnsonEsq Enjoy Johnny for it is not in my nature to give or receive praise as you are likely well aware of my general disposition.

[@skull3374]

I didnt know about headbands i saw them in ww2. Thanks john for talking this subject

[@ordomaliosangeloseterna6832]

We had incredibly large Japanese festivals at school when I was young. I wore the head bands. Held long banners in a group and walked in circular patters almost like an infinity sign all while drums would play. It was so meditated and I think more kids should do it.

[@subsidingjoshua9354]

This was a cool video. I’ve always been curious about those headbands Japanese soldiers wore in movie.

[@vertigq5126]

Always happy to see your uploads in my feed!

[@zali13]

Glad you included "For those we love"!

[@flyboymike111357]

Another KZbinr explained that certain versions are explicitly for laborers or people who want to express making a good effort when doing something stressful or that requires a lot of focus. Just like wearing a bandana or do-rag in the western US.

[@Nghilifa]

A durag/do-rag is worn to keep ones hair from becoming frizzy when sleeping (since most pillowcases are made of cotton, they cause quite a bit of friction. A silk/satin durag is cheaper than a set of silk/satin pillowcases)

[@flyboymike111357]

@@Nghilifa That isn't the only reason. I don't know what world you live in, but in the reality I'm accustomed to, you see people wear them to keep sweat on their head to stay cool or to keep it out of their eyes. People working in operating rooms, kitchens, and labs use it to keep their hair from contaminating the room. Some people just use it to keep their hair under control for one reason or another, and have done so for literal centuries. In fact, sometimes they're padded and used as a form of protective head covering. In medieval times they'd serve as a type of cheap helmet or would be used to pad out a chainmail hood or a cheaper helmet. Some militaries in the 20th century used them as bump helmets for vehicle crews and paratroopers. You should really study more multicultural history before trying to make such narrow minded assertions.

[@GaryAa56]

I have a Hachimaki that say Swift Wind from Japan.

[@DSlyde]

Been binging this channel today. This video isn't *better* than the others, just another in a line of consistently excellent content, and that earned a subscription from me. Anyway, this comment is mostly just for the algorithm.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Thanks man really appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@cocobunitacobuni8738]

I always just thought is was worn to focus on a hard task. Thanks for the video.

[@EireHammer]

Afro is still the owner of the number #1 headband.

[@ThommyofThenn]

What about Motorhead? They're good also

[@ThommyofThenn]

It shames me but there was a long period that I just thought many Japanese guys had epic receeding hairlines throughout history

[@GameFuMaster]

same with me for the Chinese queue. I thought ancient Chinese people just had their hairline that way.

[@ThommyofThenn]

@@GameFuMaster thankfully where formal education has failed us, Johnny Johnson is here dropping heavy payloads of knowledge into the Belgian towns that are our minds

[@reform-revolution]

@@ThommyofThenn gonna replace math class with "bald MFers from around the world" lore probably more useful really

[@ThommyofThenn]

@@reform-revolution relatable username. And I promise you, i would use that class more in daily life!

[@Minboelf]

ah yes City of Life and Death, one of the few Chinese war films that wouldn't make you cringe and legit like it

[@EukalyptusBonBon]

I just noticed after watching this video (especially 3:12) on that so called “victory parade” scene were not actually an victory jubilation. Rather than religious ceremony to bring home the fallen comrades spirits to Japan or something. That’s why there’s ash pots in the end of the parade

[@rolfagten857]

Yes, i seen it also in a museum video! Meiro Koizumi”s " Portrait of a Young Samurai "(2009). To give you chills!

[@rolfagten857]

Look on KZbin: Entrevista: Meiro Koizumi

[@ScarletRebel96]

I'm certainly enjoying these recent number of japanese uploads

[@NekoNekoKainushi]

Although there are many different ways in which the hachimaki was used in different periods, there are some major advantages to wearing a bandana around your head. It is the "cheapest and most minimal uniform" that is still in use in modern times. At elementary and junior high school athletic meets in Japan, white or red hachimaki are worn around the head when two or more teams of many people compete in an event. It is obvious which team is the red team and which is the white team, right? This is also a very useful item because it provides a sense of unity. It also prevents sweat from getting into the eyes, making it a functional tool for its intended purpose.

[@efethecaptain6]

I'm just watching these videos to discover movies. I've been doing searches using the rating, year, view, user rating and subject filters, none of them are close to this type insight. I'd like to see more Japanese stuff if possible. They are really different. I have covered most of the western war movies, it gets boring after a while.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Hey, that's cool man that's half my objective - exposing movies for people.

[@AwesomeNinja1027]

In the 1980's film Karate Kid, the late actor Pat Morita's character Mr. Miyagi gave Ralph Machio's character Daniel a Hachimaki which he wore during the competition.

[@noobepro_7146]

I'm sure us soldier at that time make a joke about that, let's say, red circle (the sun) is mean shoot there (the circle). Make it easier to aim

[@oldtruthteller2512]

John Belushi will always be my favorite samurai

[@dennisjones9044]

I was a teenager and was working with/for a Japanese supervisor, She was wearing one as a sweat band and kept her hair in place, I thought it was a good idea and did the same, never thought It had any cultural significance. When I joined the Navy and was in Boot Camp I did the same when I was doing some hard fatigue work. Some of our West Coast recruits thought I was mixed race, can't see how with my Southern drawl, light brown hair and very round blue eyes

[@boomerix]

I had 2 custom made for training with the logo of our club painted on it. I needed something to keep sweat out of my eyes and I found them more stylish then your average sweatband. Was definitely worth the 80 bucks I paid for them. It serves it's purpose protecting my eyes while also drawing in compliments. I make sure to always hand wash them.

[@neilcook4686]

Excellent as always - cheers, bud :)

[@ryelor123]

I think it was more to stop sweat from getting in their eyes. A drop of sweat in a battle could mean the difference between life and death.

[@Buffaloc]

Johnny, I thought you were good but now I know you are great.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Too kind 🙏🥸

[@kacperjurczyk5500]

Well done, thank you

[@teruakiarai4086]

歌舞伎では役柄ごとに鉢巻の色や締め方に決まりがある[2]。 例えば演目「助六」で主役の助六は江戸紫の鉢巻の上部を結んで輪にして右側で締めている[2]。また、病気や狂乱の状態をあらわすための「病鉢巻」は紫縮緬で左側で締めることで病体を表現している[2]。

[@Clipgatherer]

The western equivalent to the _hachimaki_ was the bandana. 😊

[@genuinesaucy]

I heard that in modern times, putting on a Hachimaki is the Eastern equivalent of "rolling up your sleeves," i.e. it means you're about to get serious.

[@RolloTonéBrownTown]

Besides looking intense as hell idk

[@geordiedog1749]

Great stuff JJ. Very interesting. No doubt I will forget the name of it when the time comes to remember it and look clever.

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Lol you and me both and I spent two days making this video... 😵‍💫

[@gig1958]

I think your pronunciation is great!

[@atabo3641]

Summer in Japan is hot and humid. So the custom of wrapping a cloth around the forehead was born to prevent sweat from dripping onto the face. And it changed to fashion culture.

[@billyponsonby]

Watched this and immediately below, KZbin offers movie for sale The Karate Kid III. That’s data power.

[@RockorSomething83]

It is nice to see that the Hachimaki has been able to outgrow its darker period of symolism. unlike that of the Swastika being liked to Nazi Germany, despite it originally being a Buddhist symbol. Something that saddens me, as a friend's mother, who is Buddhist, has a small one tattooed upon her upper back, which connects to a much larger piece. And due to it's placement, it can be seen depending on what she wears. Which someone did and almost physically attacked her for it. And even when we finally talked the person down, you could tell they didn't fully believe us. Never mind the fact she is Asian...

[@JETZcorp]

I always loved the image of putting on one of these during the stoplight stare-down before a drag race. I must venture into the internet and find one. Preferably one that doesn't say "kawaii kitty" or something in kanji. Although on the other hand, perhaps that's the move.

[@charlespratt8663]

I wear one every time I drive my Cressida.

[@quack_stack]

Love the videos! Can you do one on rail guns?

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Yah that'd be a fun project!

[@MichaelKunz-mt2oo]

Japanese culture is very formal and polite. They had the courtesy to put easy-to-see target dots on their foreheads.

[@faselfasel2864]

It's a targetting help for snipers. Thx for visiting my ted talk.

[@allgoo1990]

You forgot to mention Afro samurai #2 Hachimaki. It's not just a head band but it's a status symbol. Yes, there is a #1 hachimaki, and Afro is trying to get it back .

[@hanchiman]

Call of Duty World At War is probably one of the few games set in Pacific and with IJA who wore these in the battle of Okinawa.

[@pendantblade6361]

I'd never thought I'd see Naruto on this channel but here we are.

[@teruakiarai4086]

基本的に模様はないが、参加している社会運動やイベント、信念に関係しているスローガンやモットーなどの文字が書き込まれる場合がある。また、中央にシンボルマークや紋章などを配置する場合がある。「必勝」、「合格」、「神風」などが定番。文字の間に日の丸が入っているのが馴染み深い。

[@ismu34]

The "Kamikaze" ones are still pretty common in Japanese souvenir shops

[@redrust3]

Supposed to focus your entire being on a single goal. Roughly: Victory or death!

[@国虎ちゃん]

In the Chibikko's UNDOUKAI (運動会) , use red and white Hachimaki's when separating the team. ※Chibikko's : No 「チビココ」 　yas 「ちびっ子(little kid's)」 ※Hachimaki’s : No「田中ki」　yas「ハチマキ」 ※UNDOUKAI : No 「不正（unfairness））」　yas 「運動会（athletic meet）」 Be careful when translating

[@darkden123]

answer: looks cool

[@rosomak8244]

To answer the initial question: sniper target designations.

[@matthewrosa7262]

The Hachimaki Absorbs Sweat, True! -But Because Of That, It Is A Symbol Of One's Dedication To Carrying Out A Serious Job At Hand (And Use ALL Their Strength To See It Through To It's Conclusion!) -Thus, ESPECIALLY With One Decorated With The Rising Sun, It Is THE Way To Show Loyalty And Sacrifice During The War!

[@natejones902]

Years ago my uncle brought one back when he was stationed in Japan. Thankfully my dad had the sense to keep us from wearing it and kept it in great shape. It disappear years ago. I thought it was lost till going through a folder dad had full of patches this past year and low and behold there it was, in mint shape.

[@lainiwakura3704]

well, headband slogans especially during the pacific war are like 七生報国(serve the country seven lives) , 驕敵撃滅(annihilate arrogant enemies). Also, in such movies, you quite often see the term 鬼畜米英 (demonic cattle Ango-Saxon or demonic cattle USA and UK).

[@MyTv-]

So it’s basically like a baseball cap, it can symbolise anything!

[@tempogain]

Because they look super badass

[@越智エヌミ]

鉢巻きだけでなく鉢金も解説していてすごい。　Thanks！

[@dane0phelps]

I was gifted a hachimaki by a Japanese Army NCO during my Advanced Noncommissioned Officer course after taking a couple of them to Magic City in Atlanta one weekend. We had to drag them all out of there kicking and screaming 😂

[@americanpatriot2422]

Great video!

[@ThommyofThenn]

yes americanpatriot

[@-MATER.DEI-]

Ghost of Tsushima has a headband that looks like the typical hachimaki its called the "headband of death" in the game it even has blood splatters on it.

[@mr.beardbg8823]

You have to make a video about the stayar aug it well be cool

[@cgoodiefunk]

Yojimbo was a great movie haha, like a Japanese western, so cool

[@serjindaserragaucha7242]

Nice video

[@RolloTonéBrownTown]

yes

[@stadtbekanntertunichtgut]

Nice pic! Is the dog stoned?^^

[@aaronlovell6026]

These were the equivalent of an American dog tag. These were wore in honor, not only for the man, but also the family. And should be respected in the highest honor.

[@d4r1us58]

Great´video as always. Btw, i was wondering whether you know the difference between all the 88 Flak variants. Like the ones on wheels, i saw footage in afrika where they were fired on the weels, the ones without frontal shield usw.

[@daisuke1639]

Japanese vowels are very simple: "a" is like the "a" in far "i" is like the "i" in taxi "u" is like the "u" in tune "e" is like the "e" in get "o" is like the "o" in hope Thus, "hachi" and "maki" should have the same vowel sounds as "hoppy" or "haughty" not "happy" or "crappy".

[@LarryWater]

I want one.

[@callsigntonks4029]

Wow I'm late but keep up cool videos johnny :)

[@AnomalousEdits]

now i have the huge urge to wear one lol

[@jonathanpiccone6935]

Your original thumbnail for this upload was more gangster

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

I thought so, too! But no one was clicking on it 😵‍💫

[@alexvisser5913]

Arisaka in movies?

[@dumpsterchild5734]

Oh yeah you really got to realize the Japanese is really love their headband a very stylish and yes for good luck wherever you have the goodies worked

[@jeffreymcdonald8267]

Sanjuro and Throne Of Blood, 2 great movies. Sanjuro with possibly the most accurately depicted Samurai duel in film. Kurosawa and Mifune. Better than Leone and Eastwood.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

My headband doesn't come close....

[@usagitan7]

外国人がハチマキとハチガネをよくぞここまで調べましたね❤

[@kiiiisu]

Hi Johnny!

[@ThommyofThenn]

Hi

[@ThommyofThenn]

That's my name alao

[@JohnnyJohnsonEsq]

Howdy howdy

[@steffenrosmus9177]

For GIs: Nice red target point. Like the small red stars on Russian helmets 😂😂😂

[@Jamal-jv8yc]

It gives you a target to aim for.