Umbrellas that are designed to better withstand rough weather are grabbing the attention of customers because Japan has recently been hit with localized torrential rain and strong winds.
Folding umbrellas that are made sturdier are especially gaining popularity. Umbrellas that also function as a parasol are getting more attention as well, while other umbrellas are designed to prevent a user's backpack from getting wet in the rain. Umbrellas with original designs that serve more than one purpose will be useful not only in the rainy season but all types of weather.
After the state of emergency, which was put in place because of the coronavirus, was lifted, Tokyo's Ginza Loft, which sells more than 500 kinds of umbrellas, started to get many customers who wanted to buy folding umbrellas to prepare for sudden showers.
"Until now, makers have focused on lightweight umbrellas, but recently, there are an increasing amount of products that are sturdier and have other user-friendly features," said a shop clerk who's in charge of the umbrella section at the store.
For example, Back Protect Folding Umbrella, 3,400, yen has an extended portion of its 55-centimeter ribs that will stretch back farther to protect the user's backpack and other objects from the rain. The store started carrying the umbrellas this season, while similarly designed products, which are not a folding type and have 60-centimeter ribs, have been sold for 2,900 yen at the store for some time.
Customers have a greater interest in umbrellas that are made to withstand strong winds, having learned their lesson after being hit by frequent typhoons last year.
A folding umbrella called Strength Mini has 58-centimeter ribs that are thicker, made with fiberglass and has more parts than a regular folding umbrella so it can better withstand strong gusts. The Strength Mini costs 3,000 yen. A non-folding type with 65-centimeter ribs is also available for 2,500 yen.
Umbrellas that have floral prints or bright colors create a refreshing atmosphere and are popular among women. These umbrellas, which are priced at 3,000, yen can also be used as parasols because of their ability to cut ultraviolet rays.
The Takashimaya Shinjuku department store in Tokyo sells umbrellas tagged as "Ame no himo! Hare no himo!" (For rainy days! For sunny days!). They are very noticeable.
Before, many people tended to use waterproof parasols instead of umbrellas for when it suddenly rains, but recently, that has been changing, according to a shop clerk in charge of the umbrella section. "More and more people want to use umbrellas instead of parasols, probably because they know that recently there have been many sudden downpours."
The brand Figostiloso has umbrellas, for both rain and shine, that can be opened and closed with the push of a button near the handle. These umbrellas use light and heat-shielding fabric that can block ultraviolet rays and are popular among men, who like its easy-to-fold feature. These umbrellas have 60-centimeter ribs and cost 8,000 yen.
The Carry Sakasa brand has unique umbrellas that fold inside-out so that users do not splash rain drops on things nearby as much when folding them. The product originated in squall-prone Taiwan. Its frame allows it to withstand strong winds, and it has two layers of fabric to help block ultraviolet rays. These umbrellas, from 7,850, yen are popular because of their patterns, such as polka dots and checkered motifs.
"The novel coronavirus is still affecting our lives. Using an umbrella while you are outside is an effective way for you and those around you to practice social distancing," the clerk at Takashimaya Shinjuku store said. "I feel people are realizing again how useful umbrellas can be, in addition to their regular role of protecting [us] from rain and sun."
--Umbrella, fan combination
Umbrellas with fans are also grabbing people's attention as a way to stay cool.
Belluna Co., a mail-order and online shopping company, began selling unisex parasols equipped with a battery-operated fan this summer. Pressing the button on the handle turns on the fan, located in the upper interior of the umbrella. This umbrella has 60-centimeter ribs and costs 5,990 yen.
Sales associates of the umbrella section at the Ginza Loft and other stores also suggest using a small portable fan that can be clipped to an umbrella handle.
An increasing number of people are likely to carry a small fan and a parasol with them this summer.
All prices are before consumption tax.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
