「麦わら帽子」猛暑で人気復活　300種類製造、売り上げ↑　ファッションとしても注目【もっと知りたい！】【グッド！モーニング】(2026年6月30日)

In Japan, where record-breaking heat is becoming commonplace, and while parasols and shorts suits are becoming popular as ways to cope with the heat, a new trend is emerging in summer fashion, particularly in headwear. ■ The resurgence of popularity for "straw hats" This summer is expected to be hotter than average nationwide, with increasingly intense heat anticipated. Amidst this, "straw hats" are once again gaining attention as a heat countermeasure. The program visited Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture. Tanaka Hat Shop, founded in 1880 (Meiji 13), has been operating for 140 years, specializing solely in straw hats. From Shiraoka City, Saitama: "They look cool, don't they?" "It's cool, like the breeze passes through." "I always end up buying two or three when I come here." The shop sells a staggering 300 different types of straw hats, from children's to adult sizes. Sales have been steadily increasing in recent years, and the shop owner says that "the boom is reigniting." Yu Tanaka, 6th generation owner of Tanaka Hat Shop "Global warming is one of the key factors. The renewed appreciation for natural materials is another, and I believe these two factors are driving the steady sales growth." ■A past boom… Kasugabe City flourished as a rice and wheat production area from the Meiji era. At that time, demand was so high that many farmers made straw hats as a side business. In the early Showa period, many Japanese men wore "boater hats" (straw hats) in the summer, creating a huge boom. Later, with the emergence of inexpensive, mass-producible polyester straw hats, many manufacturing plants in the city closed down. Now, only Tanaka Hat Shop remains, but they continue to make straw hats using traditional methods. Mr. Tanaka "This cord, made by braiding seven strands of wheat together, is said to have been invented by the Sanada family (during the Sengoku period). It's very stretchy, so it conforms well to the head when worn." Using this "Sanada straw cord," the hat is sewn around the crown using a sewing machine. ■Made with meticulous care… The process of neatly sewing the crown is extremely difficult, requiring the skills of a craftsman with 3 to 5 years of training. The braided hats undergo a "cold-drying" process during the dry winter months. Removing moisture tightens the seams, resulting in a more durable hat. Afterward, a special water pressure machine is used to "shape" the hat. The difference before and after shaping is striking. During the inspection process, any excess wheat is carefully trimmed. A "natural straw hat" made with meticulous care and attention. While sales declined at one point, they have now recovered to the point where we produce 20,000 to 30,000 units annually. ■Beyond just "heat" protection… 　Unexpected effects that you wouldn't imagine from its appearance have also been discovered. Dr. Yoshiko Takada, Dermatologist, FLALU Group "We have experimental data showing that when wearing a straw hat with a brim of about 12 centimeters, it cut approximately 92% of ultraviolet rays. Rather than forcing yourself to wear something stuffy (that cuts 100% of UV rays) in the hot summer and feeling miserable, a straw hat that is breathable and also cuts UV rays is very promising as a UV protection measure going forward." 　It's popular not only for "heat" and "UV" protection, but also as a fashion item. From Tokyo "I saw a braided straw hat on Instagram and absolutely wanted one with that braid. I came here today specifically for that. And then I found this really cute one!" Ms. Tanaka "My grandfather always told me, 'Fashion starts with your feet and ends with your head.' I hope you'll choose a straw hat as the final touch to your outfit." (From the broadcast on June 30, 2026) [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp