Shaguma



Shaguma (赤熊) was a type of headgear worn by the officers of the Japanese Imperial troops in the Boshin War (1867-68). The headgear was quite peculiar, involving the used of long, colored, "bear" hair. The "Red bear" (赤熊, Shaguma) wigs indicate officers from Tosa Jinshotai (迅衝隊), the "White bear" (白熊, Haguma) wigs officers from Chōshū, and the "Black bear" (黒熊, Koguma) wigs officers from Satsuma.

The Shaguma is also worn during processions such as the Gion Festival. It is sometimes thought to have been inspired by the "red hair" of the Dutch during their presence in Nagasaki.