Hachimaki

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 are generally decorated with various inspirational slogans.

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 warriors that kept their caps on.