{"product_id":"bucket-hat-takoyaki-octopus","title":"Bucket Hat 'Takoyaki Octopus' - タコ","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAn octopus in a headband holding takoyaki, embroidered as a mascot\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTakoyaki\u003c\/strong\u003e (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 (\u003cem\u003etako\u003c\/em\u003e), pickled red ginger, chopped spring onion and \u003cem\u003etenkasu\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was invented in \u003cstrong\u003eOsaka in 1935\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe embroidery stages a \u003cstrong\u003esmiling coral-pink octopus\u003c\/strong\u003e wearing a \u003cem\u003ehachimaki\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cem\u003eyuru-chara\u003c\/em\u003e local mascots that Japanese towns are devoted to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e98% cotton, 2% elastane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMid profile, 7.5 cm (3 in) brim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne size: 54.9-60 cm (21.6-23.6 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft inner lining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat seams and clean finishing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Japan Clothing","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":53756654780763,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Grey","offer_id":53756654813531,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Khaki","offer_id":53756654846299,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White","offer_id":53756654879067,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/9300\/2473\/files\/bucket-hat-takoyaki-octopus-black.jpg?v=1786455596","url":"https:\/\/japan-clothing.com\/products\/bucket-hat-takoyaki-octopus","provider":"JAPAN CLOTHING","version":"1.0","type":"link"}