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On the streets of Tokyo in the rain, plastic umbrellas are often blown over by strong winds, but a seemingly thin Japanese umbrella can be steadily opened in the wind and rain. Yoana, a Chinese umbrella manufacturer, reveals the mystery to you.
Wagasa is the exclusive name for traditional Japanese umbrellas. Its core materials are bamboo and Washi paper, which contrasts sharply with Western-style umbrellas mainly made of metal and nylon.
Its emergence has broken the cognitive misunderstanding of most people: “How can a paper umbrella keep out the rain?” This is the confusion that most people have when they first see the Japanese umbrella. In fact, you will be amazed by the “soft on the outside and strong on the inside” of the Japanese umbrella. After special processing techniques, the sturdiness of the Japanese umbrella far exceeds its appearance expectations and can calmly withstand the invasion of wind and rain.
The most unique charm of the Japanese umbrella lies in its perfect integration of practicality and artistry. It is not only an essential item for daily travel but also a handicraft that carries traditional aesthetics.
Bangasa is the most practical type among Japanese umbrellas, specially designed to cope with the rainy climate in Japan. Craftsmen apply Urushi to the surface of washi paper. This material forms a tight waterproof layer with vegetable oil, making it less likely to seep water even after heavy rain.
The surface of its umbrella is usually rather simple, mainly in dark tones, taking into account both durability and a low-key texture. It was the first choice for ordinary people to go out on rainy days in the past.
As summer approaches, Higasa Japanese umbrellas become a common sight on the streets. Higasa is relatively small in size and light in weight. Its washi paper surface is printed with colorful patterns such as cherry blossoms and maple leaves, serving both asa sunshade and for decorative purposes. Compared with Western-style sun umbrellas, this type of sun umbrella has softer light transmission. It can filter out strong light while creating an elegant light and shadow effect.
The dance Japanese umbrella is renowned for its elegant and exquisite design. It is often used in performances such as Kabuki and Japanese classical dance, and the patterns on the umbrella surface often echo the themes of traditional performing arts. The umbrella ribs of Kabuki have a more rounded curvature. On the stage, the dance umbrella is not only a prop but also an extension of the performer’s emotions.
The prototype of the Japanese umbrella emerged around the 10th century. At that time, it was a high-topped canopy parasumbrella, carefully made of bamboo and Japanese paper, mainly serving the function of shading.
Around the 14th century, artisans attempted to treat the canopy of the umbrella with wax and vegetable oil, unexpectedly achieving a waterproof effect. This enabled the Japanese umbrella to break free from the limitation of “only providing shade” and start to adapt to the climate of all four seasons.
By the 16th century, Japanese artisans had folding upside and down umbrella techniques, significantly enhancing portability. By the Edo period, Japanese umbrellas gradually became popular and commercialized.
In kabuki performances and tea ceremony ceremonies, Japanese umbrellas have become indispensable props. In the old streets of Kyoto, the scene of geishas walking out with umbrellas has become a classic cultural symbol.
The He umbrella has at least 16 ribs, and some high-end snake eye umbrellas (Janomegasa) even have as many as 24.
These umbrella ribs are made of tough bamboo and connected through precise craftsmanship, which not only enhances structural stability but also shapes a perfect circular umbrella surface. Looking up from under the umbrella, the interlaced ribs form a delicate lattice structure, which is also very beautiful.
The canopy size of the Japanese umbrella is significantly larger than that of most Western-style umbrellas. This design originated from the traditional clothing culture of Japan. In the old days, women wore kimonos. The skirts were wide, and the Obi knots extended outward. The wide umbrella could protect both the body and the clothing from getting wet in the rain.
Making Japanese umbrellas is regarded as one of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional crafts in Japan. Even skilled artisans need several months to complete a single Japanese umbrella, and the entire process involves nearly a hundred procedures.
To make a Japanese umbrella, one needs to prepare bamboo, ropes, washi paper, lacquer, vegetable oil, and hardwood for making the “rokuro” (umbrella frame hub). Each raw material must be strictly selected.
Umbrella frame construction: Workers create umbrella frames and handles with bamboo. After drilling holes in the umbrella frames, they connect them to the upper and lower rokuro. This step has extremely high requirements for precision. Even the slightest deviation will affect the shape of the umbrella surface.
Umbrella surface printing: Cut the Nokigami paper to match the span of the umbrella frame, and stick it on both the inner and outer sides of the custom umbrella frame with strong adhesive to ensure it is smooth and free of wrinkles.
Decoration and protection: You can first draw patterns on the umbrella canopy, apply paint, then apply flaxseed oil or vegetable oil to achieve waterproofing, and finally place the umbrella in the sun to dry for 15 days.
Finishing touches: After the umbrella surface is dry, add tassels, knots and other decorations. Only then can a complete umbrella be considered finished.
As a leading umbrella manufacturer in China, Yoana Umbrella Factory goes through multiple production processes each time it manufactures an umbrella, and the umbrellas it produces meet ISO standards. In addition to custom umbrella services, we also offer thousands of umbrella tests to ensure that each umbrella is of high quality and windproof.
The umbrella should be unfolded and stored in a dark and well-ventilated space to avoid deformation due to compression. Make sure the umbrella surface is completely dry before storage; otherwise, mold is likely to grow. Avoid direct sunlight after daily use. Strong ultraviolet rays can cause the washi paper to fade, spoiling the aesthetic appeal of the umbrella surface.
The repair of Japanese umbrellas is highly specialized, and it is almost impossible to find suitable craftsmen overseas. Even in Japan, minor damage can be repaired, but if the ribs of an umbrella break, a new one has to be replaced, and the repair cost is often higher than the price of a new umbrella. Extra care is needed during daily use.
