We passed a particularly good woolly hat bobbing down Ometesando on a chilly morning one day last year. A brief chase ensued, the bewildered owner accosted, embarrassment soon turning to enthusiasm as we ran through the hats merits. Not knitted on vintage looms in an obscure factory in Southern Japan (which wed hoped.) Not (as far as anyone knew) worn by Japanese fisherman as they trawl the icy waters of the Sea of Okhotsk (as wed imagined.) Not even bought in Japan. No - made in Guernsey, and pretty much perfect. So here it is, with one or two tweaks, and a slightly off-centre Niwaki hanko. Knitted from 100% raw wool, like the famous jumpers, these hats are something to be reckoned with - they naturally repel rain (up to a point) and will keep you dry far longer than youd expect. The colours? A slightly speckled mouse-grey () evoking sea mists with notes of freshly poured cement, and a wicked karashi yellow () that wouldnt be out of place at a 551 Horai Butaman stand. Hand