Ever wonder why does Mikey wear bandages in Tokyo Revengers? Are you curious as to why he always has a cloth wrapped around his stomach? There is, however, a reason for this. Not only does it make him appear tough, but it also references an important part of Japanese culture's history of old gangs.

While there are many ridiculous rumors about what lies beneath Mikey's stomach in Tokyo Revengers, we combed the internet to give you proper speculation about Mikey's bandages and their connection to old gangs in Japan.

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If you've ever seen an anime character with bandages wrapped around their chest and stomach to the point where they resemble a mummy, you'll probably recognize Mikey's stomach wrapping.

Many anime characters, like Mikey and other delinquent characters, whether female or male, use the No Shirt Long Jacket stereotype. On the other hand, certain male and female warriors in the anime, such as Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail, Kamina from Gurren Lagann, Ling Yao from Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, and Aya Natsume from Tenjho Tenge, utilize bandages on their stomachs to protect them from sword cuts.

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Why Does Mikey Wear Bandages in Tokyo Revengers?

Accordingly, Manjiro Sano, also known as Mikey in Tokyo Revengers, wears a Sarashi, which was previously and commonly worn by Japanese offenders such as the Bosozuku, Yakuza, and Yankii.

In case you missed it, the Sarashi, which translates as "bleach cotton," dates back to the Edo Period and is intended to protect. Some claim that it has also been used as underwear in the history of Japanese men.

That being said, this cloth absorbs some of the impacts and/or blows delivered by their opponents. Sarashi is now used as a symbol and representation of people who are prone to getting into fights. Women, on the other hand, use Sarashi for their chest to hold their breasts, sometimes hiding their bellies to avoid distraction in battle.

Mikey perfectly captures the overall look of the old biker gangs in Japan. The Tokyo Manji Gang jumpsuit, complete with manji and kanji symbols, Sarashi, big and baggy pants, and army boots, is an exact replica of the old gangs in Japanese culture.

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According to some fans, Mikey wears a Sarashi in Tokyo Revengers, as a reference to an old yakuza practice that believes this cloth will keep the wearer's internal organs intact when stabbed, and thus having one will reduce their chances of losing to the opponent. Indeed, there is a ceremony in which the wearers engage in a wrapping practice with one another. In addition, the Sarashi is used to stop excessive bleeding from stab wounds.

Some, on the other hand, refer to Mikey's bandages as Haramaki, as seen in One Piece's Roronoa Zorro. In light of this, Zoro's dark green waistband is a Haramaki, which, according to traditional Japanese beliefs, can aid in the prevention of a cold stomach, which can lead to colds, diarrhea, and stomachaches. Furthermore, it keeps the wearer's body warm from the core.

In any case, it is a common practice among Japanese gangs. It not only makes someone appear cooler, but it also adds to the intimidating appeal of bikers. These bandages perfectly capture Mikey's true persona as a gang leader. Warm kidneys are the way of life, as fans say! Praise be to the cultured!

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