Panama Hats Gaining Attention in Heatwave, Actually Not from Panama: Ecuador's Ambassador Reveals the Truth of 'Toquilla Hats'
Key facts
- Panama Hats Gaining Attention in Heatwave, Actually Not from Panama: Ecuador's Ambassador Reveals the Truth of 'Toquilla Hats'
- Tokiyado Hyakkaten, a specialty store for high-end men's hats, has released a special video in cooperation with the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan, introducing the true origins of hats commonly known as "Panama hats." The video explains the hats' real roots and cultural background, revealing truths many Japanese people are unaware of.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 9, 2026
Direct answer
Tokiyado Hyakkaten, a specialty store for high-end men's hats, has released a special video in cooperation with the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan, introducing the true origins of hats commonly known as "Panama hats." The video explains the hats' real roots and cultural background, revealing truths many Japanese people are unaware of.
- Citation
- Panama Hats Gaining Attention in Heatwave, Actually Not from Panama: Ecuador's Ambassador Reveals the Truth of 'Toquilla Hats' (June 9, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 9, 2026
Tokiyado Hyakkaten, a specialty store for high-end men's hats, has released a special video in cooperation with the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan, introducing the true origins of hats commonly known as "Panama hats." The video explains the hats' real roots and cultural background, revealing truths many Japanese people are unaware of.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 20:10
- 🔍 Collected: June 9, 2026 at 11:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (77h 31m after Collected)
Tokiyado Hyakkaten (operated by Socius Inc.), a specialty store for high-end men's hats, has released a special video introducing the true origins of hats commonly known as "Panama hats," in cooperation with the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan.
Amidst the ongoing nationwide heatwave, Panama hats are attracting attention as a measure against the sun's rays.
However, their origins are surprisingly not well-known.
In this video, the Ambassador of Ecuador to Japan appears and explains the history, cultural background, and charm of the "Toquilla hat."
The Truth About "Panama Hats" Unknown to Many Japanese People
In reality, Panama hats did not originate in Panama but were born in Ecuador. They are called "Toquilla hats" in their native land.
Toquilla hats are traditional hats meticulously hand-woven by artisans, using fibers from the "toquilla straw" plant native to Ecuador.
Lightweight and highly breathable, they have been cherished locally for a long time because they can be worn comfortably even under the strong equatorial sun.
This traditional craftsmanship was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012, making it one of Ecuador's representative cultural assets.
Why are they called Panama Hats?
It is believed that the name "Panama hat" became established in the early 20th century when hats exported from Ecuador spread worldwide via Panama, and further popularized by photographs of President Roosevelt wearing one during his inspection of the Panama Canal.
Message from the Representative
While the name "Panama hat" is widely known, the Ecuadorian culture and craftsmanship behind it are not yet fully understood. By speaking directly with the Ambassador of Ecuador this time, I myself have once again learned about its profound depth. I would be delighted if this video could serve as an opportunity for people to become interested in world cultures through hats.
Mitsuru Kawachika, Representative Director, Socius Inc.
Video Overview
Title: [Ambassador Explains] Not Panama Hats!? The Truth About "Toquilla Hats," Actually Originating in Ecuador
URL: https://youtu.be/tte_MScdhzU
Channel: Tokiyado Hyakkaten Hat Club https://www.youtube.com/@tokiyado-hat
[Ambassador Explains] Not Panama Hats!? The Truth About "Toquilla Hats," Actually Originating in Ecuador
About Tokiyado Hyakkaten
Tokiyado Hyakkaten is a specialty hat store dealing in high-end men's hats from Japan and abroad.
With the concept "No man is without a hat that suits him," we handle over 4,000 types of hats, including fedoras, homburgs, and caps, carefully selected from brands worldwide.
At our store in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, customers can try on a wide selection of hats, and our online store delivers the joy of hats to customers nationwide.
In addition to selling hats, we are also committed to activities that convey hat culture, artisan techniques, and the history and stories behind them. On our YouTube channel, "Tokiyado Hyakkaten Hat Club," we share information on how to choose hats, coordination, brand histories, and world hat cultures.
The store name "Tokiyado" is derived from "Toquilla," the plant native to Ecuador that is the raw material for Panama hats. Our encounter with Ecuadorian hat culture became the origin of our current business.
◆ Online Store "Tokiyado Hyakkaten"
https://www.tokiyado.com/
◆ Store Location
Address: 5F, Building 25, Tachikawa Real Estate, 1-100 Takamatsu-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-0011
Access:
- From the North Exit of Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo Line, transfer to Tachikawa-Kita Station on the Tama Monorail, get off at the first stop, "Takamatsu Station." Approximately 1 minute walk from the "Takamatsu-cho 1-chome" exit.
- Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Tachikawa Station.
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday - Saturday)
Store in Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Amidst the ongoing nationwide heatwave, Panama hats are attracting attention as a measure against the sun's rays.
However, their origins are surprisingly not well-known.
In this video, the Ambassador of Ecuador to Japan appears and explains the history, cultural background, and charm of the "Toquilla hat."
The Truth About "Panama Hats" Unknown to Many Japanese People
In reality, Panama hats did not originate in Panama but were born in Ecuador. They are called "Toquilla hats" in their native land.
Toquilla hats are traditional hats meticulously hand-woven by artisans, using fibers from the "toquilla straw" plant native to Ecuador.
Lightweight and highly breathable, they have been cherished locally for a long time because they can be worn comfortably even under the strong equatorial sun.
This traditional craftsmanship was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012, making it one of Ecuador's representative cultural assets.
Why are they called Panama Hats?
It is believed that the name "Panama hat" became established in the early 20th century when hats exported from Ecuador spread worldwide via Panama, and further popularized by photographs of President Roosevelt wearing one during his inspection of the Panama Canal.
Message from the Representative
While the name "Panama hat" is widely known, the Ecuadorian culture and craftsmanship behind it are not yet fully understood. By speaking directly with the Ambassador of Ecuador this time, I myself have once again learned about its profound depth. I would be delighted if this video could serve as an opportunity for people to become interested in world cultures through hats.
Mitsuru Kawachika, Representative Director, Socius Inc.
Video Overview
Title: [Ambassador Explains] Not Panama Hats!? The Truth About "Toquilla Hats," Actually Originating in Ecuador
URL: https://youtu.be/tte_MScdhzU
Channel: Tokiyado Hyakkaten Hat Club https://www.youtube.com/@tokiyado-hat
[Ambassador Explains] Not Panama Hats!? The Truth About "Toquilla Hats," Actually Originating in Ecuador
About Tokiyado Hyakkaten
Tokiyado Hyakkaten is a specialty hat store dealing in high-end men's hats from Japan and abroad.
With the concept "No man is without a hat that suits him," we handle over 4,000 types of hats, including fedoras, homburgs, and caps, carefully selected from brands worldwide.
At our store in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, customers can try on a wide selection of hats, and our online store delivers the joy of hats to customers nationwide.
In addition to selling hats, we are also committed to activities that convey hat culture, artisan techniques, and the history and stories behind them. On our YouTube channel, "Tokiyado Hyakkaten Hat Club," we share information on how to choose hats, coordination, brand histories, and world hat cultures.
The store name "Tokiyado" is derived from "Toquilla," the plant native to Ecuador that is the raw material for Panama hats. Our encounter with Ecuadorian hat culture became the origin of our current business.
◆ Online Store "Tokiyado Hyakkaten"
https://www.tokiyado.com/
◆ Store Location
Address: 5F, Building 25, Tachikawa Real Estate, 1-100 Takamatsu-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-0011
Access:
- From the North Exit of Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo Line, transfer to Tachikawa-Kita Station on the Tama Monorail, get off at the first stop, "Takamatsu Station." Approximately 1 minute walk from the "Takamatsu-cho 1-chome" exit.
- Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Tachikawa Station.
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday - Saturday)
Store in Tachikawa City, Tokyo
FAQ
Where did Panama hats originate?
Although commonly called "Panama hats," their origin is Ecuador, not Panama. They are known as "Toquilla hats" locally and are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
What are the characteristics of Toquilla hats?
These are traditional hats hand-woven by artisans using toquilla straw native to Ecuador. They are lightweight, highly breathable, and comfortable to wear even under strong sunlight.
Why did they come to be called "Panama hats"?
It is said that the name became established as hats exported from Ecuador via Panama gained popularity, especially after photos of President Roosevelt wearing one were published.
Who released this video?
Tokiyado Hyakkaten, a high-end men's hat specialty store (operated by Socius Inc.), released it in cooperation with the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan.
Where can I watch the video?
It is available on the YouTube channel "Tokiyado Hyakkaten Hat Club" under the title "[Ambassador Explains] Not Panama Hats!? The Truth About 'Toquilla Hats,' Actually Originating in Ecuador."