Hakui

Hakui or byakue (白衣), literally white clothing. It is the white jacket worn by the Shikoku pilgrim (Henro). It comes in short-sleeved and even sleeveless versions.

On the back is inscribed 南無大師遍照金剛 Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo which means “ Hail Daishi, diamond that illuminates all ” and the sacred Sanskrit sign Om̐.

While nothing is strictly mandatory during the pilgrimage of the 88 temples in Shikoku (henro michi), wearing the Hakui is strongly recommended, as it allows the pilgrim to be recognized from afar.

The color white signifies mourning in Japan. By wearing the byakue, one expresses the determination to bury one's former self in order to be reborn.

Note that byakue does not refer solely to the Shikoku henro jacket, but to any kind of white coat, such as those worn by doctors.

Hakui or Byakue, the henro's white jacket