Chonmage is a characteristic hairstyle of Japanese samurai. In the eyes of modern people, such a hairstyle is undoubtedly rather quirky, so why does Japan have this kind of hair culture in the first place? Let's explore the origin of chonmage.
This unique hairstyle is called "mage", which originated from the hair bun of nobles around Gregorian calendar 600. Around 1200, from the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods, men began to shave their hair on the top of their heads and put it into topknot, which is now fairly well-known.
Japan had a period of no diplomatic relations with other countries, known as "sakoku." But at the end of the Shogunate when Japan opened its doors, it is said that many non-Japanese people were surprised by the appearance of samurai's chonmage.
In this way, the samurai shaved the hair on the top of their head to prevent itching from getting hot when wearing a helmet.
To do your own chonmage, shave the hair on the top of the head, tie the remaining hair and fix it with vegetable oil. It is said that people first used the tweezers to remove the hair from the top of the head, but in the Edo Period, people began to shave it with a razor.
Although the samurai's chonmage was originally used for the head's breathability, it gradually became a proud symbol of the samurai fighting for the monarch and also became popular among ordinary citizens. Since then various styles of chonmage have been produced.
The chonmage culture introduced above can also be seen in the rikishi's hairstyle who are active in more current professional sumo matches. So chonmage shows the honor and pride of the samurai fighting for the monarch.
Illustrations courtesy of Manga de Japan
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
Recommended places for you
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Hirosaki Park
Parks
Aomori, Hirosaki And Hachinohe
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Step Into the Story: Inside Immersive Fort Tokyo
-
15 Must-Try Restaurants in Ikebukuro: From Aged Yakiniku to All-You-Can-Eat Sushi, Plus Adorable Animal Cafés
-
The Complete Guide to the Kintetsu Rail Pass
-
Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More
-
Opened in Spring 2024! What to do at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado
-
Everything You Need To Know About the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass
-
We Board Japan's 'Setsugekka' Resort Train And Have An Incredible Journey Through The Heartland
-
What is a Goshuin? All About Traditional Japanese Shrine Seals (and why you'll be addicted to collecting them!)
-
10 Important Japanese Phrases to Know Before You Enter a Japanese Convenience Store!
-
Suit and Kimono: Japan’s Coming of Age Day (January 9)
-
(Event Report) Spark New Discoveries in Delicious Hokuriku Regional Cuisine: Meet the Next Generation of Chefs Exploring New Frontiers in Japanese Dining Culture
-
[2017] Dining and Traditions: Freely Experience Japanese Culture with Tokyo's Events in June
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks