What is kawa-no-kami?

Kawa-no-kami is a traditional Japanese hairstyle for men that was popular during the Edo period. It involves cutting the hair short on the top and leaving the back portion long, which is then tied up in a topknot or chonmage style. This hairstyle was originally worn by samurai warriors and yakuza members but later became popular among commoners as well. The name "kawa-no-kami" literally means "river god" in Japanese, as it was believed that the long hair on the back resembled the flowing water of a river. Today, the kawa-no-kami hairstyle is rarely seen in Japan and is mostly used by actors and performers playing historical characters.