Are Japanese umbrellas really safe to use on rainy days?
"Is it really okay to use a wagasa in the rain?" We'll answer that question!
Wagasa are made from washi paper.
A common question we receive is, "Won't washi paper get wet and tear?"
If you want to know more about what wagasa are made of, check out our previous articles!
It's washi paper, but is it okay?
While they are all called "wagasa," there are different types, such as bangasa, janomegasa, and parasols.
Among these, the two types that can be used in the rain are bangasa and janomegasa.
Many people worry, "Won't washi paper get wet and tear?" because the umbrella part of wagasa is made of washi paper.
It's okay!
Janomegasa and bangasa have oil applied to their washi paper for waterproofing, so you can use them safely in the rain!
By using high-quality, fast-drying oils (drying oils) such as perilla oil, linseed oil, and tung oil, the washi paper becomes water-resistant, transforming it into "oiled paper" that can withstand water.
It is said that raincoats in the past were also made from oiled paper.
During the production of rain umbrellas, after the washi paper is stretched over the bamboo frame, oil is applied (coated) to the washi paper, and then it is dried in the sun on a clear day.
Therefore, bangasa and janomegasa are fine to use in the rain!
(Among bangasa and janomegasa, there are also custom-made ones that intentionally do not have oil applied, depending on the intended use.)
In contrast to bangasa and janomegasa, parasols have washi paper in its original state without oil, so please be careful not to get them wet in the rain or water.
Is it okay to leave the cloth on top of the wagasa?
If you look at bangasa and janomegasa, which can be used in the rain, you'll see a cloth covering the top.
Occasionally, we are asked, "Do I remove this cloth when using the umbrella?"
You must not remove it! Please use it as is!
This is because underneath this cloth is a crucial component called the "rokuro," which is the core of the wagasa, and washi paper is used to cover the rokuro. The cloth is an important element that protects them from rain and snow.
Its name is "kappa." It's the same name as the kappa (raincoat) that people wear on rainy days.
There are various types of kappa depending on the artisans and wholesalers who produce wagasa.
In the case of Gifu wagasa, it's easy to distinguish rain umbrellas from parasols: those with a kappa are rain umbrellas, and those without are parasols.
(Some regions may have kappa on parasols as well.)
The string attached to the kappa can also be used for hanging the umbrella for storage.
How much rain can it withstand?
Bangasa and janomegasa can be used without problems in everyday rain.
However, it might be better to refrain from using them on rainy days accompanied by strong winds.
The framework of wagasa is made of bamboo. While bamboo is strong, wind is still a major enemy compared to the materials used in Western umbrellas.
If the bamboo frame breaks, it may not be repairable, or even if it is, its strength may be reduced, making it difficult to use in the rain.
For janomegasa, there are two stages of fasteners (hajiki), so you can lower it one stage to temporarily let the wind pass through, but for very strong winds, it's probably best to refrain from using it, or to use it according to the situation.
Summary
Before Western umbrellas became widespread, janomegasa and bangasa were routinely used as rain gear.
The ingenuity born in an era without plastics is still incorporated into the wagasa production process today.
Why not try using a wagasa for your rainy day outings?
Enjoy pairing it with your kimonos, of course, and also with your Western clothes.
