Looking for input on a 'Kamakazi Headband'

[War in Pacific]

I've not run across one of these & would appreciate any feedback which helps validate whether this is authentic or a fake  -  thanks

 

 

[SARGE]

Looks brand new to me.

 

[War in Pacific]

To me too. It's nuts really. Saw one for $5,000. Another for $2k & lots of reproductions. For that kinda $$ think it's rife for forgeries. Was looking for info on these & found bunches online. Thx for your input

[shemp h.]

I've always stayed away from these because it's a pain in the butt trying to determine if they are real and you have to be damn careful with these as is with the flags. And I also think that 2 or 5k is a ridiculous price for these even if they are real. These bands were also worn by young girls working in factories in Japan. The late Nick Komiya wrote a very good article on these over on War Relics Forum,go to -Master Index For Reference Articles By Nick Komiya- scroll down to the letter "J", under Kamikaze Headband Hoaxes (I typed all of this out because I don't know how to send a link).  But I do agree with Sarge, it does look brand new. 

 

 

              Bill

A photo of Nicks cat

[War in Pacific]

Agreed. I can't see spending much on any Hachimaki. These were/are worn by folks in sports, at work or just to keep sweat from a wearers eyes. This link outlines who wore/wears them:

https://duncansensei.com/2015/03/hachimaki-japanese-headbands/

 

I understand Chinese have produced fake Yosegaki Hinomaru. Given the prices some have purported to have paid for Hachimaki I wouldn't be not surprised if there isn't a cottage industry in the production of fakes. The price to create these minimal & the profit is outrageously high.

 

 

[shemp h.]

When I was younger I remember I used to see these clowns wearing these bands at concerts and my friend and I used to laugh them. 😆

[War in Pacific]

I wonder if the $2k to $5k prices aren't plants to make it appear as if these things have value as a way to gin up sales. I've seen many 'sold'  prices anywhere from from $150 - $250 to thousands of $$$. Reproductions can be had for as little as $5. Professional counterfeiters could easily save that by printing complete Hachimaki's. Return on investment is huge! 

I like the 'Kamakazi cat! 

[Rakkasan187]

I recall seeing these Kamikaze headbands in the 1970s Delta International and WW2 LTD Catalogs along with all the Third Reich reproduction items..

 

Leigh 

[War in Pacific]

Doesn't surprise me at all. Hinomaru are still being made (can get repros for as little as $5).  It wouldn't take much to believe the profit margin of adding sayings & selling for hundreds of dollars. On the one pictured the sellers didnt attempt to age it. Throw in the wearing of the 'Kamakazi' Hinomaru would suggest that none should be found since the end of the Kamakazi was pretty violent. Thanks for your input.