How to use a Japanese umbrella and care tips to use with care
(First appearance:Nagara River STORY 2018/1）
It's easy even for beginners! Everyday use of Japanese umbrellas that looks like a fashionable expert
This is a must-see for those who think that Japanese umbrellas are wonderful but don't have the image of using them for themselves!
If you feel free to use a Japanese umbrella on clothes day, you will look like a casual and cool adult.
Rather than cherishing it because it is a traditional craft, please feel free to take it in every day.
- INDEX
- ▷Five "good things" that you can feel with a Japanese umbrella
- ▷Tips to be careful when using
- ▷Care after use
- ▷Storage method on unused days
- ▷Can you put it in an umbrella stand at a convenience store or supermarket? How do you have it on a bus or train?
- ▷Escape from amateurs! How to take a picture with a beautiful way of holding?
- ▷A wonderful gesture that makes you a beautiful Japanese umbrella
- ▷By the way, how much is a Japanese umbrella?
- ▷Anyway, from enjoying Japanese umbrellas!
Directly from the store manager!
The basic key to incorporating Japanese umbrellas into everyday life
Mr. Kawaguchi, the manager of "Wakasa CASA", which sells Japanese umbrellas, also usually uses Japanese umbrellas on rainy days.
I asked Mr. Kawaguchi to teach me the basics of how to use it.
I asked Mr. Kawaguchi to teach me the basics of how to use it.
Five "" that you can feel with a Japanese umbrellagood thing」
What are some good things about using a Japanese umbrella in the first place?1. Wrapped in gorgeous colors
First of all, please try to pick up the real thing.A beautiful space that spreads out the moment you open it.
With a patterned umbrella, it's like being inside a kaleidoscope. Just like a private planetarium.
Kawaguchi: "Unlike Western umbrellas and vinyl umbrellas that are covered with cloth, the diffusion of light is beautiful because it is Japanese paper."
The umbrella is made of Japanese paper coated with waterproof oil, so you can enjoy the feeling of sheerness even on rainy days.
More than 40 bamboo bones cast shadows at regular intervals, and beautiful overlock threads spread like flowers.
There is a dignified atmosphere.
Beauty born from actual products = "beauty for use".
2. People passing by look back
On the day you wear a kimono, you may feel the eyes of people passing by and feel a little superiority. That feeling.Even if you can't wear a kimono casually (especially on a rainy day!), A Japanese umbrella can be a point of coordination on any clothing day.
Japanese umbrellas aren't cheap, but they're about the same price as coats and bags, and if you think about using them every day, you'll probably get the money.
I was also told by an elderly person, "When I was going to my wife, my mother had one."
It seems to be an opportunity for communication.
3. The sound of rain, the sound of rubbing, the scent of oil, the feel of lacquer
The sound of rain falling on Japanese paper called "paran".The popping sound of a repellent when opening an umbrella.
Old-fashioned oil scents such as perilla oil and linseed oil.
The feel of lacquer applied to bamboo ...
I feel that the Japanese atmosphere makes my spine squeaky.
4. Feelings to use good things carefully
Rather than the sight of vinyl umbrellas being thrown away in the town the day after the typhoon, I want to feel like using one umbrella carefully.Why don't you acquire the richness of having good things without saying "Umbrellas will be lost soon"?
Because there are people who use it, the technique of making Japanese umbrellas will be protected.
If you are proud of your hometown that Gifu has such a good thing in Japan, you may be able to take good care of yourself.
5. Look forward to rainy days
Kawaguchi: "Color, sound, and feel. I think there is fun that can only be experienced with a Japanese umbrella.Isn't it always a little fun to have a gloomy rainy day? (Pride) "
When usingTips to watch out for
For those who say, "But if I use a Japanese umbrella on a regular basis, I'm likely to break it soon ...", here are some tips I would like you to keep in mind.
1. Points to open
If you try to open it forcibly, the folded Japanese paper will become crunchy and the bones will be strained.
[Never open this way! ]
・ Swing around and open in the wind like a Kabuki actor
・ Push your hands into the closed area to open it.
If you learn how to open it smartly, it will not only last a long time, but it will look very familiar.
[Never open this way! ]
・ Swing around and open in the wind like a Kabuki actor
・ Push your hands into the closed area to open it.
If you learn how to open it smartly, it will not only last a long time, but it will look very familiar.
2. The Japanese umbrella is always on your head !!
When leaning on an umbrella, keep your hand down and your head up.
There is a string on the head, so it is safe to hang it.
The most important part to protect for a Japanese umbrella is the top paper (Aiba). Here, there is a wooden part "Rokuro" that is the key to the umbrella by bundling the bamboo of the Japanese umbrella.
If the potter's wheel rots in rainwater or breaks due to impact, there is no way to repair it anymore.
Some have metal fittings at the bottom of the handle so that they can be placed on the ground.
If the potter's wheel rots in rainwater or breaks due to impact, there is no way to repair it anymore.
Some have metal fittings at the bottom of the handle so that they can be placed on the ground.
3. Do not use on strong wind days
When blown by the wind, a Japanese umbrella with straight bones is more fragile than a Western umbrella with arched bones.
4. Do not expose the umbrella to direct sunlight for a long time
Kawaguchi: I'm often asked if I can use an umbrella as a sun umbrella, but since I'm oiling the washi, if I keep exposing it to the scorching sun, the washi will become crispy and easily torn. The washi will deteriorate. It is not recommended for those who want to use it as an umbrella for a long time. For sunny days, there is a sun umbrella that you can enjoy the texture of Japanese paper that does not draw oil. "
After usingCare
Do not squeeze the head of a wet umbrella. After use on a rainy day, open it halfway to fully open and dry it in the shade. As mentioned above, your head must be on top.
A place where the wind does not blow enough to collapse is good,
If you don't have a place such as a front door or a garage, you can lay an elephant underneath and lean against it to absorb rainwater.
Kawaguchi: "I think it's better to wipe off the water with a towel and then dry it in the shade. (Although I only dry it in the shade)."
Japanese umbrellas do not soak in rain, but rather than being water repellent, they are waterproof so that the rainwater blends into the surface of the umbrella.
Let it dry overnight, and when you feel it's crisp to the touch, it's done.
Parasols do not support rain, so if they get wet, let them dry completely before folding them.
A place where the wind does not blow enough to collapse is good,
If you don't have a place such as a front door or a garage, you can lay an elephant underneath and lean against it to absorb rainwater.
Kawaguchi: "I think it's better to wipe off the water with a towel and then dry it in the shade. (Although I only dry it in the shade)."
Japanese umbrellas do not soak in rain, but rather than being water repellent, they are waterproof so that the rainwater blends into the surface of the umbrella.
Let it dry overnight, and when you feel it's crisp to the touch, it's done.
Parasols do not support rain, so if they get wet, let them dry completely before folding them.
Days not usedStorage method
Do not put it in a box and take good care of it. First, remove the tightening ring and hang it in a well-ventilated place for storage.
Mold may grow in humid places.
If you do not use it for a while, the oil may harden and the Japanese paper may stick together and become difficult to separate. Do not try to open it forcibly, but use warm air from a hair dryer, etc., so open it slowly while turning your hand.
In particular, avoid leaving the umbrella in a hot place such as in a car in the summer for a long time as the oil will melt and harden easily.
The oil gradually becomes yellowish, but if you enjoy it as a texture, or if you are interested, if you choose an umbrella with a yellow or yellow-green color from the beginning, it will not be noticeable.
Mold may grow in humid places.
If you do not use it for a while, the oil may harden and the Japanese paper may stick together and become difficult to separate. Do not try to open it forcibly, but use warm air from a hair dryer, etc., so open it slowly while turning your hand.
In particular, avoid leaving the umbrella in a hot place such as in a car in the summer for a long time as the oil will melt and harden easily.
The oil gradually becomes yellowish, but if you enjoy it as a texture, or if you are interested, if you choose an umbrella with a yellow or yellow-green color from the beginning, it will not be noticeable.
At convenience stores and supermarketsCan you put it in an umbrella stand?By bus or trainHow do you have
It is convenient to have an umbrella bag exclusively for Japanese umbrellas
Heavy users of Japanese umbrellas say, "At convenience stores, you can't put it in an umbrella stand, but you can lean it against the corner of the outer wall." However, some people may be worried about theft because it is expensive. ..
Also, vinyl umbrella bags for department stores are too thin to hold Japanese umbrellas. I've repeatedly written that Japanese umbrellas have their heads up, but Japanese umbrellas that don't have a J-shaped handle like Western umbrellas are held aside when you take out your wallet on a bus or train. If you do, your clothes will get wet.
Umbrella bags for Japanese umbrellas are convenient there. It has a handle and can be rolled up when not in use.
We also sell special umbrella bags, but you can make your own with a water-repellent cloth.
Even when you put it in the umbrella bag, the handle is down.
The handle of the parasol can be removed. Convenient to carry.
Also, vinyl umbrella bags for department stores are too thin to hold Japanese umbrellas. I've repeatedly written that Japanese umbrellas have their heads up, but Japanese umbrellas that don't have a J-shaped handle like Western umbrellas are held aside when you take out your wallet on a bus or train. If you do, your clothes will get wet.
Umbrella bags for Japanese umbrellas are convenient there. It has a handle and can be rolled up when not in use.
We also sell special umbrella bags, but you can make your own with a water-repellent cloth.
Even when you put it in the umbrella bag, the handle is down.
The handle of the parasol can be removed. Convenient to carry.
Escape from amateurs!How to hold it cleanlyHow to take a picture?
Straight like bamboo
If you're not used to it, Japanese umbrellas are heavier than Western umbrellas, so you just put them on your shoulders.
However, when I look at the picture of a geisha and maiko holding a Japanese umbrella, I always hold the handle straight without hanging it on my shoulder.
If you hold the handle straight, it will look slender and sharp, and even those who are familiar with etiquette will feel that you understand it.
Above all, when you put a Japanese umbrella in the rain with a kimono, the obi will get wet if you don't hold it straight.
If the Japanese umbrella is close to the face, the color of the Japanese umbrella will cover the face. In that sense, if you hold the Japanese umbrella slightly away from the face and hold the lower part of the handle, the complexion will look beautiful.
Above all, when you put a Japanese umbrella in the rain with a kimono, the obi will get wet if you don't hold it straight.
If the Japanese umbrella is close to the face, the color of the Japanese umbrella will cover the face. In that sense, if you hold the Japanese umbrella slightly away from the face and hold the lower part of the handle, the complexion will look beautiful.
For those who find it heavy and difficult to hold straight, a parasol like the one in the photo is one size smaller and can be lighter.
In addition, small umbrellas such as small snake eyes and small umbrellas are also made.
In addition, small umbrellas such as small snake eyes and small umbrellas are also made.
Become a beautiful Japanese umbrellaNice gesture
1. On a snowy day
Japanese umbrellas usually have a repellent (stopper) that opens in two stages.On a snowy day, the weight of the snow on the umbrella will damage the Japanese paper, so if you use the Japanese umbrella in a slightly deflated state, the snow will slide off.
2. Umbrella
Do you know the etiquette "Umbrella Kashige" that prevents rain and dew from getting on the other person by tilting the umbrella slightly to the opposite side when people who are holding umbrellas pass each other on a narrow road? It is called Edo gesture, but I will not touch on whether it is a manner that has existed since the Edo period because there are various theories.However, if you feel a little compassion for the other person like this, you will be more likely to become a Japanese beauty with a Japanese umbrella.
By the way, the Japanese umbrellaHow much is it?
Gifu Japanese umbrellas handmade by craftsmen, which are handled by Japanese umbrella CASA, start from 20,000 yen (excluding tax) for plain patterns and 36,000 yen (excluding tax) for patterned items. The price will change depending on the pattern, upholstery pattern, and the difference in Japanese paper.- ▶Japanese umbrella CASA online shop
- While valuing tradition and craftsmanship, we have Gifu Japanese umbrellas that match modern sensibilities.
(29 Minatomachi, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture)
It will surely suit young people.
From past articles
▷Creators | Japanese umbrella craftsman Mikiko Kawai
▷Creators | Japanese umbrella craftsman Mikiko Kawai
Japanese umbrellas sold at souvenir shops in tourist areas for less than 10,000 yen are usually made in China.
Western umbrellas have about 8 bones, while Japanese umbrellas have more than 30 bones. In the case of Gifu Japanese umbrella, the standard snake-eye umbrella has 44 or 46 bones, and the number umbrella has 48 bones. The more bones there are, the more work it takes.
As I wrote above, it's about the same price as a fine coat or bag. Please use it every day to get the money back.
Western umbrellas have about 8 bones, while Japanese umbrellas have more than 30 bones. In the case of Gifu Japanese umbrella, the standard snake-eye umbrella has 44 or 46 bones, and the number umbrella has 48 bones. The more bones there are, the more work it takes.
As I wrote above, it's about the same price as a fine coat or bag. Please use it every day to get the money back.
Anyway,Enjoy the Japanese umbrellaFrom that!
I've written it for a long time, but it was originally used in Japanese daily life as a tool for daily life.
The number of people who are fascinated by Japanese umbrellas is increasing.
Kawaguchi: "Don't be clumsy, feel free to use it. Even if you don't use it and store it carefully, it will deteriorate little by little because it is a natural material.
If you use it carefully, it will last longer than expected. There are individual differences, so I can't say that it will last for 10 years.
If the washi paper is torn a little, you can close it by sticking a small washi paper to close the hole in the shoji.
Since young staff sell Japanese umbrellas, the threshold for buying Japanese umbrellas may be low.
If you don't understand, please ask me anything.
We also give bookmarks on how to use it to those who purchase it. "
