Hachimaki

The name of this white or colored headband is literally translated as “head wrap “, and it is known since ancient times (see the 19th-century engraving). According to literary tradition, the hatimaki became popular after the year 1702, when the 47 Ronin put hatimaki to avenge death of their master Asano Naganori daimyo. Martial arts fighters and samurai put it on before the fight because hatimaki emphasizes the fighting spirit and determination. Typically, the sun was not depicted on the bandage, it’s a late element, but the characters have always been there. In this case, the characters on the bandage read ‘hitsu-se’ or ‘hissyo’, which means ‘victory’. Japan.