The Rise of Umbrella Usage in Tokyo: A Shift from Sunburn Prevention to Heat Protection
The Rise of Umbrella Usage in Tokyo: A Shift from Sunburn Prevention to Heat Protection
This summer has proved to be one of the hottest on record for Tokyo, prompting a significant change in how residents view and utilize umbrellas. Many people, about 67% of survey respondents in a recent Tokyo Metropolitan Government study, have started using umbrellas not just to avoid sunburn, but primarily as a defense against the scorching heat. This trend has notably included men, with 44% reporting they have started using umbrellas this summer alone.
Record-Breaking Heat and the Emergence of the "Umbrella Men"
The summer of 2025 marked a watershed moment for what has been dubbed the