Hachimaki

"helmet-scarf")[1] is a type of Japanese headband, usually made of red or white cloth, typically featuring a design of kanji at the front.

[2] Inspired by samurai, kamikaze pilots in World War II wore hachimaki while flying to their deaths.

They serve the function of absorbing sweat during physical activity, so they are often worn by sportspeople.

Hachimaki may be worn to showcase Japanese nationalism or sporting pride.

[2] In Western popular culture, hachimaki are stereotypically associated with martial artists.