Bucket Hat 'Takoyaki Octopus' - タコ

An octopus in a headband holding takoyaki, embroidered as a mascot Takoyaki (たこ焼き), literally "grilled octopus", is the defining street food of Osaka. Golf-ball-sized spheres of wheat batter hold a piece of cooked octopus (tako), pickled red ginger, chopped spring onion and tenkasu tempura scraps. They are cooked in cast-iron plates drilled with hemispherical wells, turned with a pick, and served under sweet-savoury takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and dancing flakes of dried bonito. It was invented in Osaka in 1935 by Tomekichi Endō at his shop Aizuya, and spread across the city through the 1950s and 60s to become its popular culinary symbol alongside okonomiyaki. Dōtonbori, Namba and Tennoji hold dozens of stands that run late into the night. The Kansai region has more takoyaki shops than it has bakeries, which is as clear a statement of local priorities as you will find. The embroidery stages a smiling coral-pink octopus wearing a hachimaki, the white headband traditionally tied on by craftsmen, cooks and runners before serious effort. The octopus holds a golden takoyaki skewer in one outstretched tentacle, and a small thought bubble above shows a piece of sushi. The whole thing works as a character, in the register of the yuru-chara local mascots that Japanese towns are devoted to. The mid-profile bucket shape sets the warm pink against a solid crown. Wear it with an oversized colored sweatshirt, an open printed shirt and cargo shorts for a street-food read, or with a heavyweight white tee and technical trousers for something more urban. The brim earns its place at food festivals and outdoor markets. Made for people who eat standing up, who have queued in Dōtonbori, and who like clothes with a sense of humour. 98% cotton, 2% elastane Mid profile, 7.5 cm (3 in) brim One size: 54.9-60 cm (21.6-23.6 in) Soft inner lining Flat seams and clean finishing