ALL OVER TOKYO IN SEARCH OF A HAT

[rowan klein <rowank@onthenet.com.au>]

another interesting story from old times.

The Japan Times, Wednesday 20th April 1908

ALL OVER TOKYO IN SEARCH OF A HAT

    Hatachiyama, one of the champion wrestlers had for considerable time
worn his hair long as other wrestlers, though he retired from the ring long
ago, in obedience to his patrons' desires. Lately, however, seeing that
many of his comrades dressed their hair in modern western fashion
Hatachiyama also conceived the wish of following their example. But he must
find a hat to fit his head, now that the ornamental knot was to be
destroyed. The stout gentleman spent several days in inquiring at all the
principal hat stores in Kanda, Hongo, Nihonbashi for a hat of suitable size
for his abnormally large head, but could not find one that fitted. He
scoured nearly all Tokyo in vain, so he had to postpone the memorable event
of cutting his topknot till the hat was provided. A few days ago he at last
found the right shop and bought a hat with great glee. So he has set the
day for cutting his hair as the 19th, today. He will perform the memorable
act at the first strike of the drum at Ekoin, announcing the commencement
of the wrestling match.