In Japan, there is the term “Tsuyu”, the Rainy Season.
This term refers to the time of year between spring and mid-summer, when there are many rainy and cloudy days.
Rain is said it be a blessing, but when it comes to daily life and sightseeing, rain is nothing but an annoyance.
On rainy days, an umbrella is your trusty companion.
By the way, did you know the country that has the most umbrellas in the world? That’s right- Japan.
Receiving twice as much rain as the global average, Japanese both have the most umbrellas in the world and spend the most money on umbrellas. In Japan, there is a truly vast scope of different variations and price ranges for umbrellas. People from overseas often ask if the clear vinyl umbrellas available cheaply in convenience stores in particular are popular in Japan. They are not part of any fad, but there are many cases where people who forgot to bring an umbrella on rainy days buy them as a stopgap measure.
However, what i’d really like to recommend to everyone is a high quality, high functionality umbrella. Precisely because Japan is so particular about umbrellas, Japanese umbrella manufacturers are improving day by day to meet the expectations of Japanese umbrella users. From super lightweight and easy to carry umbrellas, to umbrellas with excellent water repellency, to durable, long-lasting umbrellas, to umbrellas also suitable as a parasol in sunny weather, to umbrellas that open and close automatically, to umbrellas woven using traditional Japanese techniques, you are spoiled for choice for umbrellas in Japan. When visiting Japan, choosing umbrellas at a store can can be an entertainment all by itself.
Finding an umbrella you really like can’t help but lift your spirits on rainy days. Since you are taking the trouble to come all the way out to Japan, I hope you will consider picking up a high quality, high functionality Made-in-Japan umbrella.