It is interesting to note that people in most of the Muslim countries experience long summers. They need to keep themselves cool while doing their daily routine work during the long summer days. They do so mostly by using traditional methods such as covering their heads etc. during the day time. However, Japanese have invented various types of umbrellas to suit various weather conditions all around the year.
In Japan, the period of transition from spring to summer is known as “Tsuyu”, which means “rainy season”. Tsuyu starts at the beginning of May down in Okinawa to the south of Japan , and slowly heads north, ending in northern Tohoku at the end of July. This is a particular period of concern for Japanese people. In order to get through the rainy season in Japan, there have been many unique developments in umbrellas and other kinds of rainwear. Here, we introduce all kinds of Japanese umbrellas to help you enjoy the rainy season.
Invented by the Japanese – the plastic umbrella
When thinking of a unique umbrella invented by the Japanese, the most famous example would be the clear plastic umbrella. Cheap and available at any convenience store so you can get one anywhere you go, they apparently fly off the shelves whenever it suddenly starts raining. As one of their special features, these transparent umbrellas won’t block your vision, so they can be used safely on the streets.
Making use of this feature of providing clear visibility, there are also premium plastic umbrellas such as the “Shin Kateru” plastic umbrella used by election candidates (5,000 yen excluding tax) and the “Yen You” plastic umbrella made for the Imperial household (8,000 yen excluding tax). In both cases, they were made so that even on rainy days, you would still be able to see the faces of the people. Only premium umbrellas are specially made with features such as a glass fiber structure making it stronger than the cheap ones, a valve so air doesn’t get inside and designs that ensure they won’t easily blow away in the wind. Although they’re used by members of the Imperial household as well as Japanese politicians, you can, of course, buy them too at a mall or or other shopping center.
In the summer season, the people in the country use colored umbrellas so as not catch heat from the sun. These umbrellas come in all colors, and prices. You may want to take at least one good looking nice umbrella on your way back home. That would remind you of the beautiful memories of Japan.
Leave a Reply