2024.10.19
Shibusawa Eiichi's Hat-Making Philosophy & Culture for Future Generations: "Tokio hat"
Shibusawa Eiichi (western order: Eiichi Shibusawa, but usually written in Japanese order), now the face of the new 10,000 yen bill, is widely recognized as "the father of modern Japanese economy." He established numerous companies and focused significant efforts on public welfare and education in society.
Among his endeavors was hat manufacturing. Shibusawa founded Tokyo Hat Co., Ltd. (東京帽子株式会社), and managed the process from production to distribution. Remarkably, this business continues today, embodied in Aurora Co., Ltd.'s brand, "Tokio hat."
The brand carries on Shibusawa’s spirit of bold hat-making and development, upholding his philosophy of management and craftsmanship. We spoke with Yuki Yamamoto from the company's Product Coordination Department about the journey of "Tokio hat" and the spread of hat culture.
PROFILE
Yuki Yamamoto
Aurora Co., Ltd. Product Coordination Department
Head of Public Relations & Brand Marketing MD
Graduated from a fashion design school, studied knitwear in Italy.
Upon returning to Japan, worked in digital-related companies before joining Borsalino Japan Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Aurora Co., Ltd., in 2011. Engaged in various roles including hat planning, press, and web management, he transferred to Aurora Co., Ltd. in 2018. Involved in hat planning and established the web business while handling public relations, continuing to date.
Established by Shibusawa Eiichi & Still Thriving
Could you first explain the relationship between Aurora Co., Ltd. and the original Tokyo Hat Co., Ltd.?
Aurora Co., Ltd. was founded in 1896 and is approaching its 130th anniversary. Starting as a wholesaler of Western umbrellas and traditional Japanese shawls, in 1993, it began dealing with women’s hats. Today, sales are primarily through department stores and various other outlets.We assumed the men’s hat business of Tokyo Hat Co., Ltd. in 2007. We inherited the hat molds and employees, continuing to propose ideas in tune with the times while preserving history.
Tokyo Hat Co., Ltd. was founded by Shibusawa Eiichi, wasn't it?
The precursor was founded by Shibusawa, Japan Hat Manufacturing Company (1889), but it suffered a devastating fire shortly after. In 1892, it was reestablished as Tokyo Hat Co., Ltd., becoming the first domestic hat manufacturing company.The brand name for hats marketed by Tokyo Hat Co., Ltd. is "トーキョーハット" (Tokyo Hat), and they handled manufacturing and distribution domestically.
Are there any anecdotes from when Shibusawa started the hat company?
In the late 1800s, Shibusawa went on a European tour with Akitake Tokugawa, younger brother of Yoshinobu Tokugawa. There, he encountered the gentlemen's etiquette of wearing hats. Inspired by this new cultural norm, Shibusawa cut off his chonmage (traditional hair bun) and donned a hat, taking a photograph in Western attire. This demonstrated his adaptability to foreign cultures.Following the Meiji Restoration, Japan was keen on adopting Western culture. Shibusawa’s entrepreneurial spirit must have been stirred. He aimed to cultivate a foundation for hat culture in Japan, importing skills from foreign craftsmen and integrating cutting-edge technology of the time.
Were traditional Japanese techniques also utilized in hat-making?
Shibusawa's expertise paved the way for hat-making in Japan for the first time, beginning by adopting European know-how and imitating their methods. Initially, I believe they produced hats by observing and mimicking.Here is where I think the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship comes into play, as their delicate techniques and attention to detail enhanced the quality of hats. Eventually, these hats could rival those made in Europe, and soon after, Japanese-made hats began spreading to Europe. It really demonstrates how Japanese technical skills and character were reflected in hat-making.
However, it's unfortunate that the demand for hats is decreasing each year. Although there is still demand for hats as a fashion accessory, the aging of skilled craftsmen and a lack of successors have become issues in the hat industry. It's even said that, despite advancements in computers and AI, recovering all the techniques from those craftsmen is impossible.
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