Are Japanese umbrellas really safe to use on rainy days?
"Are Japanese umbrellas really safe to use on rainy days?" We'll answer that question!
Japanese umbrellas are made of Japanese paper.
A simple question that some people ask is, ``Wouldn't Japanese paper get wet and tear?''
If you want to know more about what Japanese umbrellas are made of, check out our previous articles!
It's Japanese paper, but is it okay?
There are many different types of Japanese umbrellas, such as banagasa, janome umbrellas, and parasols.
There are two types of umbrellas that can be used on rainy days: the Banagasa and the Janome umbrella.
Since the umbrella part of a Japanese umbrella is covered with washi paper, many people worry that if the washi paper gets wet with water, it will tear.
Are you okay!
Janome umbrellas and bangasa are made of Japanese paper coated with oil to make them waterproof, so you can use them without worry even in the rain!
By using high-quality oils that dry easily (drying oils) such as perilla oil, linseed oil, and tung oil, the washi becomes water resistant and becomes a washi paper (oiled paper) that can withstand getting wet.
In the past, raincoats worn on rainy days were also made from oiled paper.
When making an umbrella, the bamboo ribs are covered with washi paper, the paper is coated with oil, and when the weather is nice, it is left to dry in the sun.
Therefore, it is safe to use banagasa and janome umbrellas on rainy days!
(Some Bangasa and Janome umbrellas are made to order without oil depending on the usage situation.)
Contrary to Banagasa and Janome Usa, parasols are made of washi paper that does not get oily, so please be careful not to get it wet from rain or water.
Is it okay to leave the cloth attached to the head of a Japanese umbrella?
When you look at banasa and janome umbrellas that can be used on rainy days, you will notice that they have a cloth covering the head.
I am sometimes asked, ``Do I remove this cloth when using the umbrella?''
Don't take it! Please use it as is!
This is because under this cloth there is an important part called the ``Rokuro'', which is the core of a Japanese umbrella, and washi paper is used to cover the potter's wheel. It is important to protect them from rain and snow.
The name is "Kappa". It has the same name as the raincoat that humans wear on rainy days.
There are various types of raincoats depending on the craftsmen and wholesalers who make Japanese umbrellas.
In the case of Gifu Japanese umbrellas, it is easy to tell the difference: those with a raincoat are rain umbrellas, and those without are parasols.
(Depending on the production area, the parasol may have a raincoat attached.)
The string attached to the raincoat can also be used for hanging and storage.
How much rain is enough?
Banasa and Janome umbrellas can be used without any problem if it rains on a daily basis.
However, it may be best to refrain from using it on rainy days with strong winds.
The framework of a Japanese umbrella is made of bamboo. Bamboo is also strong, but compared to the materials used for Western umbrellas, it is more susceptible to wind.
If the bamboo bones break, it may not be possible to repair them, or even if they can be repaired, the strength will be reduced, making it difficult to use on rainy days.
With a Janome umbrella, there are two levels of stoppers (hajiki), so you can lower it one level to let the wind escape temporarily, but if the wind is too strong, please refrain from using it and use it according to the situation. I think it's safe.
summary
Before Western umbrellas became popular, Janome umbrellas and Bangasa were commonly used as rain gear.
The innovations that were created in a time when there was no vinyl etc. are still being incorporated into the process of making Japanese umbrellas today.
Why not try using a Japanese umbrella when you go out on a rainy day?
Please enjoy it not only with kimono but also with clothes.
