The chonmage has roots in Japanese history dating back to around the year 600, when nobles began wearing hair in buns called “mage.” By the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods, around 1200, men started shaving the tops of their heads and styling the remaining hair into a topknot—creating the chonmage look we now recognize.

Japan went through a period of isolation known as sakoku, during which the country closed off diplomatic relations with other nations. But at the end of this period, when Japan finally opened its doors, foreign visitors were shocked by the chonmage hairstyle of the samurai. This unique look became an unforgettable symbol of Japanese culture for those encountering it for the first time.

The shaved top had a practical purpose: samurai shaved the tops of their heads to stay cool while wearing heavy helmets in battle, reducing the discomfort caused by trapped heat.

The remaining hair was tied up and secured with vegetable oil, originally with tweezers and later, in the Edo Period, with razors.

Over time, the chonmage evolved beyond practicality. It became a proud symbol of the samurai’s dedication and loyalty to their rulers.

Wearing a chonmage represented a commitment to their role as warriors, and soon, the style spread beyond the samurai class, becoming popular among ordinary citizens as well.

Even today, the spirit of the chonmage lives on in Japanese sumo wrestling. Sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi, still wear a form of this hairstyle to honor the samurai tradition. For the samurai, the chonmage was more than just a hairstyle—it was a proud emblem of honor and dedication to their role.

So, the chonmage isn’t just a quirky hairstyle; it’s a historical icon that represents the honor, pride, and uniqueness of Japan’s samurai culture.

Illustrations courtesy of Manga de Japan