KORIYAMA, Fukushima -- The 83-year-old owner of an umbrella shop in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, is producing custom-made parasols from recycled old kimono fabric.
Kenji Watanabe, who has been hand-making umbrellas for 50 years, began the practice of making parasols using fabric from traditional Japanese outerwear like kimono and yukata about 15 years ago upon customer request.
The craftsman adjusts aspects of each parasol, such as handle length and the type of wood used, depending on the order, while also carefully creating a combination of fabric patterns that complement each other.
Watanabe's dedication to his craft has spread through word of mouth and now orders come rushing in for his kimono parasols every year around spring. Some customers from outside Fukushima Prefecture wanting to give their family members or friends an original parasol as a present even bring their own fabric to his shop.
Only two to three custom-made parasols can be completed a day. "As long as I continue to receive orders, I don't want to make any less than satisfactory items," he said.
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