Russian Language Exported: KATYUSHA
A Russian name that, in Japan, does not refer to a girl’s name, but to a fashionable hair accessory.
The word ‘Katyusha’ (Japanese ‘kachuusha’) became the common name for a hair band (headband) in Japan. This unique transformation occurred in 1914, after an enormously successful stage production of the play ‘Resurrection’, based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy. The Japanese actress playing the lead role of Katyusha Maslova appeared on stage wearing a hoop headband. Thus, the heroine’s name became associated with the fashionable accessory – and they even wrote songs about it!