Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture is known as one of the production areas of sedge hats.
Today, the number of makers has decreased as many have grown older, and shipments are much lower than in the past. However, the craft itself is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
These practical hats, made from locally gathered wild sedge, were once essential tools for daily life—especially during rice planting and other farm work.
They allowed people to work outdoors under the sun for long hours without needing a parasol. The hats breathe well and protect the head and shoulders from rain as well.
It is easy to imagine how indispensable they were to people’s daily lives.
On this page, we introduce two of the most commonly used, basic styles of sedge hats— “Fuji,” shaped like Mt. Fuji when viewed from the side, and “Asayama,” which evokes the long, gentle slope stretching from a mountain peak.
The basic structure of both types is the same.
The sedge used for these hats is specially cultivated for making sedge hats. After harvesting, it is thoroughly dried, which brings out its beautiful creamy color.Unlike the Ōno type, the Fuji and Asayama hats use a plastic frame instead of bamboo ribs, around which the sedge is wrapped. A layer of brown, water-repellent paper is placed at the top center to help water run off through the weave.Here is the inside of the hat. The sedge is woven horizontally, wrapping tightly around the inner bamboo ribs.On the outside, the sedge strips are laid vertically, forming a fine weave that covers the entire surface.Each hat is carefully sewn together with thread, resulting in a remarkably delicate construction. The number of artisans who can perform this work is said to be decreasing every year.Seen from the outside edge, a thin bamboo strip runs all around the brim, securing the vertical sedge strands tightly to the frame.The inner rim is also beautifully finished, with the vertical sedge folded in and woven neatly.There are two styles of head fittings: “Maruate” (left in the photo) and “Gotoku” (right). The maruate rests lightly on the head, while the gotoku is worn more snugly like a cap. The gotoku type is slightly larger.The maruate type has cords that loop around the ears. Using them in a figure-eight shape provides more stability.The cords, once made from twisted grass, are gradually being replaced with vinyl cords. The type of cord cannot be selected.One side of the cord has a cotton string attached, which is used to tie under the chin.The maruate is fixed to the hat at four points with plastic ties. Please be careful not to cut these ties.This is the gotoku type. It also comes with cotton cords. The head opening is slightly wider, and if it feels loose, a towel or cloth can be placed inside for adjustment.Depending on the stock from the workshop, some gotoku cords are meant to be tied manually, while others have a small plastic fastener. The type cannot be chosen at the time of order.This is the “Fuji” type.It is named for its resemblance to the shape of Mt. Fuji.Because it is deeper in shape, it is recommended for those who prefer to wear the hat low over the eyes. It becomes even lower when used with the maruate fitting.At times, some sedge strands may extend radially from the top and appear bent or broken, but this does not affect use. Please note that these are not defects.Next is the “Asayama” type.It has a gentle, mountain-like form.With its larger diameter, it provides wide shade coverage.As with the Fuji type, some sedge strands may appear slightly bent or broken at the top, but this is not a defect.
Both types are equally practical. The Fuji type is more compact and worn deeper, while the Asayama type offers a broader shade and a more classic silhouette.
Regarding the two fittings—“Maruate” and “Gotoku”:
The maruate can be attached regardless of head shape or size.
If you prefer a snug fit that you can wear like a cap, choose the gotoku.
Compared with the maruate, the gotoku sits slightly higher, so the hat is worn more shallowly. The maruate has less height, allowing the head to fit deeper inside the hat.
* By default, the hat comes with the maruate fitting. If you prefer the gotoku, please note this in the remarks column when ordering.
Lightweight, breathable, and cool to wear, the sedge hat also repels water and snow. If it becomes dirty, you can rinse it with water and hang it in a well-ventilated place to dry thoroughly.
Sedge hats are often used for festivals, stage performances, and pilgrimages, but the Fuji and Asayama types were originally designed for farm work— making them easy to incorporate into everyday life.
Perfect for daily farm work, gardening, or balcony tasks, they are authentic sedge hats that can also be used at outdoor events.
Please choose your preferred type—“Fuji” or “Asayama.”
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture is known as one of the production areas of sedge hats.
Today, the number of makers has decreased as many have grown older, and shipments are much lower than in the past. However, the craft itself is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
These practical hats, made from locally gathered wild sedge, were once essential tools for daily life—especially during rice planting and other farm work.
They allowed people to work outdoors under the sun for long hours without needing a parasol. The hats breathe well and protect the head and shoulders from rain as well.
It is easy to imagine how indispensable they were to people’s daily lives.
On this page, we introduce two of the most commonly used, basic styles of sedge hats— “Fuji,” shaped like Mt. Fuji when viewed from the side, and “Asayama,” which evokes the long, gentle slope stretching from a mountain peak.
The basic structure of both types is the same.
The sedge used for these hats is specially cultivated for making sedge hats. After harvesting, it is thoroughly dried, which brings out its beautiful creamy color.Unlike the Ōno type, the Fuji and Asayama hats use a plastic frame instead of bamboo ribs, around which the sedge is wrapped. A layer of brown, water-repellent paper is placed at the top center to help water run off through the weave.Here is the inside of the hat. The sedge is woven horizontally, wrapping tightly around the inner bamboo ribs.On the outside, the sedge strips are laid vertically, forming a fine weave that covers the entire surface.Each hat is carefully sewn together with thread, resulting in a remarkably delicate construction. The number of artisans who can perform this work is said to be decreasing every year.Seen from the outside edge, a thin bamboo strip runs all around the brim, securing the vertical sedge strands tightly to the frame.The inner rim is also beautifully finished, with the vertical sedge folded in and woven neatly.There are two styles of head fittings: “Maruate” (left in the photo) and “Gotoku” (right). The maruate rests lightly on the head, while the gotoku is worn more snugly like a cap. The gotoku type is slightly larger.The maruate type has cords that loop around the ears. Using them in a figure-eight shape provides more stability.The cords, once made from twisted grass, are gradually being replaced with vinyl cords. The type of cord cannot be selected.One side of the cord has a cotton string attached, which is used to tie under the chin.The maruate is fixed to the hat at four points with plastic ties. Please be careful not to cut these ties.This is the gotoku type. It also comes with cotton cords. The head opening is slightly wider, and if it feels loose, a towel or cloth can be placed inside for adjustment.Depending on the stock from the workshop, some gotoku cords are meant to be tied manually, while others have a small plastic fastener. The type cannot be chosen at the time of order.This is the “Fuji” type.It is named for its resemblance to the shape of Mt. Fuji.Because it is deeper in shape, it is recommended for those who prefer to wear the hat low over the eyes. It becomes even lower when used with the maruate fitting.At times, some sedge strands may extend radially from the top and appear bent or broken, but this does not affect use. Please note that these are not defects.Next is the “Asayama” type.It has a gentle, mountain-like form.With its larger diameter, it provides wide shade coverage.As with the Fuji type, some sedge strands may appear slightly bent or broken at the top, but this is not a defect.
Both types are equally practical. The Fuji type is more compact and worn deeper, while the Asayama type offers a broader shade and a more classic silhouette.
Regarding the two fittings—“Maruate” and “Gotoku”:
The maruate can be attached regardless of head shape or size.
If you prefer a snug fit that you can wear like a cap, choose the gotoku.
Compared with the maruate, the gotoku sits slightly higher, so the hat is worn more shallowly. The maruate has less height, allowing the head to fit deeper inside the hat.
* By default, the hat comes with the maruate fitting. If you prefer the gotoku, please note this in the remarks column when ordering.
Lightweight, breathable, and cool to wear, the sedge hat also repels water and snow. If it becomes dirty, you can rinse it with water and hang it in a well-ventilated place to dry thoroughly.
Sedge hats are often used for festivals, stage performances, and pilgrimages, but the Fuji and Asayama types were originally designed for farm work— making them easy to incorporate into everyday life.
Perfect for daily farm work, gardening, or balcony tasks, they are authentic sedge hats that can also be used at outdoor events.
Please choose your preferred type—“Fuji” or “Asayama.”
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture is known as one of the production areas of sedge hats.
Today, the number of makers has decreased as many have grown older, and shipments are much lower than in the past. However, the craft itself is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
These practical hats, made from locally gathered wild sedge, were once essential tools for daily life—especially during rice planting and other farm work.
They allowed people to work outdoors under the sun for long hours without needing a parasol. The hats breathe well and protect the head and shoulders from rain as well.
It is easy to imagine how indispensable they were to people’s daily lives.
On this page, we introduce two of the most commonly used, basic styles of sedge hats— “Fuji,” shaped like Mt. Fuji when viewed from the side, and “Asayama,” which evokes the long, gentle slope stretching from a mountain peak.
The basic structure of both types is the same.
The sedge used for these hats is specially cultivated for making sedge hats. After harvesting, it is thoroughly dried, which brings out its beautiful creamy color.Unlike the Ōno type, the Fuji and Asayama hats use a plastic frame instead of bamboo ribs, around which the sedge is wrapped. A layer of brown, water-repellent paper is placed at the top center to help water run off through the weave.Here is the inside of the hat. The sedge is woven horizontally, wrapping tightly around the inner bamboo ribs.On the outside, the sedge strips are laid vertically, forming a fine weave that covers the entire surface.Each hat is carefully sewn together with thread, resulting in a remarkably delicate construction. The number of artisans who can perform this work is said to be decreasing every year.Seen from the outside edge, a thin bamboo strip runs all around the brim, securing the vertical sedge strands tightly to the frame.The inner rim is also beautifully finished, with the vertical sedge folded in and woven neatly.There are two styles of head fittings: “Maruate” (left in the photo) and “Gotoku” (right). The maruate rests lightly on the head, while the gotoku is worn more snugly like a cap. The gotoku type is slightly larger.The maruate type has cords that loop around the ears. Using them in a figure-eight shape provides more stability.The cords, once made from twisted grass, are gradually being replaced with vinyl cords. The type of cord cannot be selected.One side of the cord has a cotton string attached, which is used to tie under the chin.The maruate is fixed to the hat at four points with plastic ties. Please be careful not to cut these ties.This is the gotoku type. It also comes with cotton cords. The head opening is slightly wider, and if it feels loose, a towel or cloth can be placed inside for adjustment.Depending on the stock from the workshop, some gotoku cords are meant to be tied manually, while others have a small plastic fastener. The type cannot be chosen at the time of order.This is the “Fuji” type.It is named for its resemblance to the shape of Mt. Fuji.Because it is deeper in shape, it is recommended for those who prefer to wear the hat low over the eyes. It becomes even lower when used with the maruate fitting.At times, some sedge strands may extend radially from the top and appear bent or broken, but this does not affect use. Please note that these are not defects.Next is the “Asayama” type.It has a gentle, mountain-like form.With its larger diameter, it provides wide shade coverage.As with the Fuji type, some sedge strands may appear slightly bent or broken at the top, but this is not a defect.
Both types are equally practical. The Fuji type is more compact and worn deeper, while the Asayama type offers a broader shade and a more classic silhouette.
Regarding the two fittings—“Maruate” and “Gotoku”:
The maruate can be attached regardless of head shape or size.
If you prefer a snug fit that you can wear like a cap, choose the gotoku.
Compared with the maruate, the gotoku sits slightly higher, so the hat is worn more shallowly. The maruate has less height, allowing the head to fit deeper inside the hat.
* By default, the hat comes with the maruate fitting. If you prefer the gotoku, please note this in the remarks column when ordering.
Lightweight, breathable, and cool to wear, the sedge hat also repels water and snow. If it becomes dirty, you can rinse it with water and hang it in a well-ventilated place to dry thoroughly.
Sedge hats are often used for festivals, stage performances, and pilgrimages, but the Fuji and Asayama types were originally designed for farm work— making them easy to incorporate into everyday life.
Perfect for daily farm work, gardening, or balcony tasks, they are authentic sedge hats that can also be used at outdoor events.
Please choose your preferred type—“Fuji” or “Asayama.”
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
