Make a Hachimaki Headband
はちまきLearn about natsu-matsuri(summer festivals) in Japan andcreate a hachimakiheadband.

THE JAPANESE HOUSE
ACTIVITIES

TIME:
20 minutes
MATERIALS:• White cloth cut in strips
approximately 36" x 5"
each

1. Learn about Natsu-matsuri
Natsu means summer and matsuri means festival; therefore,natsu-matsuri are festivals held during the summer in Japan. Most
Japanese festivals are closely associated with seasonal changes andoften are based in a celebration of agriculture, especially thecultivation of rice. Summer is the season of natural disasters such as
typhoons and droughts, so summer festivals are held to ward them off.
As the end of summer approaches, there are festivals to bring the community together and get ready for the fall harvest.
People in festivals work hard—they dance, play music, and carryportable shrines called mikoshi. In Japan, when someone wants to apply
herself to a serious task or problem, she wears a traditional headband
called a hachimaki. These symbolize focus and concentration, as well
as physical and spiritual strength. They’re also practical, because they
absorb sweat. Hachimaki are a very common sight at festivals, whereeveryone is working very hard.

1• Fabric markers or fabricpaint
PRONUNCIATIONGUIDE:
Natsu-matsuri:
Nah-tsu-mah-tsu-ree
Hachimaki:
Ha-chee-mah-key
Mikoshi: Me-koh-she© 2013 Boston Children’s Museum

2. Make Your Own Hachimaki
1. Fold the fabric strip in thirds lengthwise.

2. Decorate the hachimaki with markers.

3. Tie the hachimaki around your head.

Useful tips:• Use child-safe makers and fabric paint• Make sure that only one side of the cloth is used
for writing and drawing. Use this as the outerside, so the ink does not touch the skin.
2© 2013 Boston Children’s Museum

3. Things to Talk about• An important summer festival that is not related to agriculture is held in
mid-August to honor one’s ancestors’ spirits; this is called O-bon. Why do you
think this festival is held this time of year?
• Check out various Japanese festival scenes and dances on YouTube and othervideo sites. Each festival has own web site, and it usually has information in
English. Here are some sites to get you started:
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
http://www.sendaitanabata.com
See the July activity for more information about Tanabata.
Kyoto Gion Matsuri
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/festivals/gion.html
This festival has its origins in an ancient ritual to ward off sickness; today it isfamous for its spectacular floats and parades.
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
http://www.atca.info/nebuta_en/
This festival began as a ritual to cast off laziness and get ready for the harvest;
it is known for its huge paper lantern floats and lively dancers.

3© 2013 Boston Children’s Museum•A word very important to hachimaki is genki (gay-n-key). Genki is a common
word in Japan, but it’s difficult to translate. It’s the state of being fine, motivated,energetic, inspired, and healthy. When you put on a hachimaki, you are focusing
yourself to become genki and take on difficult tasks, so you can make one any
time you need to work hard.
From top to bottom: Genki written in hiragana, katakana, and kanji characters.

4© 2013 Boston Children’s Museum