Tanaka Hat Shop Boater Hat Casablanca

An adult's hat, beautifully crafted like a large flower.

The wide brim covers the entire face, protecting it from the sun.
The finely and delicately sewn body gives it a luxurious feel, and the simple ribbon adds a touch of adult sophistication, making it a versatile hat that suits any style.

Suits any woman and has an excellent face-slimming effect

The long brim creates a circle larger than the face, providing an excellent face-slimming effect.
The Casablanca features a long brim that extends far enough to shade the neck, covering the face all the way to the back of the neck.

Therefore, by slightly raising the hat, your face fits into the large circle, giving the impression of a smaller face.
Of course, if worn deeply, it covers the entire face, not only providing sun protection but also allowing you to go out without makeup.

This simple hat complements any summer outfit and is also recommended for traditional Japanese attire such as yukata.
It's also useful not just in the city, but also when traveling or at resorts.

Founded in 1880 - A long-established company with over 100 years of history

"Straw hats" are a traditional craft of Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture.
Currently, there are few factories in Japan that can mass-produce them, and among them, Tanaka Hat Store is a long-established company with over 100 years of history and tradition.

Straw hats are made using a unique sewing method where seven strands of straw are woven into one, and each hat is individually sewn by hand, layered in a circular fashion.

As a natural material, "straw" is breathable and an essential summer hat, perfect for sun protection.
Tanaka Hat Store continues to carefully craft popular straw hats for all genders and generations, one by one, using traditional methods.

Sewing that tests the craftsman's tactile sense

Straw braid, softened by soaking in water, is sewn using a sewing machine for hat making.
Sewing begins from the "crown" part of the hat, called "uzu" (vortex), and is layered and sewn in a circular fashion.

The craftsman carefully proceeds with the sewing, occasionally checking the size with a hat block.
The thinner the material, the more difficult the sewing becomes, and only a skilled craftsman can create a beautiful shape.
Hats sewn with highly skilled techniques are not only beautiful to look at but also exceptionally comfortable to wear.

"Kanboshi" - A local seasonal tradition

Straw hats are sewn from autumn to winter, in preparation for the following spring.
After the material is softened by soaking in water and then sewn, the finished straw hats are sun-dried.

This process is often carried out during the cold, dry winter months, hence it is called "kanboshi" (cold drying). The sight of straw hats lined up across the ground has become a "seasonal tradition" of Kasukabe City.

Shaping that gives individuality to hats

Using a dedicated shaping machine with a metal mold, the hat is pressed and shaped with water pressure.
Depending on the design, the crown and brim may be combined from separate wooden molds and shaped by hand steaming one by one.
With a large number of molds, it is possible to create hats of various designs by combining them in different ways.

Decoration

After shaping, decorations such as sweatbands and ribbons are added.
Everything is done by hand, and the accent ribbons are carefully sewn on by craftsmen one by one.

Finishing

Finally, fine straw "splinters" are removed.
When straw braid is woven, the surface skin may peel off, or buds may protrude.

If worn as is, it can feel prickly and uncomfortable.
For the wearer's comfort, these are carefully cut away one by one while stroking the hat with the palm of the hand.
This is the thoughtfulness of a craftsman who cares about the wearer.