#Japan #Tokyo #Kintaro #Tokyo Umbrellas #Junki Totsuka

A Transformative Summer in Tokyo: The Rise of Sun Umbrellas

The sweltering heat this summer has drastically altered the landscape of Tokyo, making sun umbrellas not just a fashionable accessory, but an essential item for daily life. On September 25th, the event titled 'My Favorite Umbrella Selection' was held to summarize the sun umbrella trend in the city.

In this event, results from a public survey conducted via the Tokyo app were shared, which gathered responses from over 8,353 residents. This survey focused on umbrella usage and revealed that approximately 60% of participants utilized sun umbrellas, with 40% of men debuting their use this year.

During the event, Masahiro Tanaka, secretary general of the Japan Umbrella Promotion Council, also spoke about the latest trends in sun umbrellas. Following him, celebrities Kintaro and Junki Totsuka shared their choices of the top ten recommended umbrellas presented by buyers and manufacturers. Totsuka, who often uses umbrellas on set, remarked, "This year’s heat was abnormal, so I definitely used a parasol." The Tokyo governor also highlighted the evolving role of sun umbrellas, stating, "Much like COVID-19 changed work styles, the increasing dangers of heat have transformed the role of sun umbrellas into a necessity for summer living."

Kintaro and Totsuka's Favorite Umbrellas

Kintaro chose a high-performance umbrella from Ogawa Co., which boasts excellent light and heat-blocking capabilities, noting, “It keeps my makeup intact and as temperatures rise, you should definitely experience the difference.”

On the other hand, Totsuka selected a stylish and lightweight large-sized men’s umbrella, emphasizing its functionality and aesthetic. "It felt impressive when opened and is light despite being large enough to look good and suitable for use even in shooting scenarios,” he commented.

Survey Results Indicate a Shift

The results from the Tokyo umbrella usage survey, presented by the head of the Climate Change Strategy Division, revealed that 83% of respondents utilize their umbrellas for heat protection. Furthermore, factors influencing their choices included 67% prioritizing sunlight blocking features, followed by the combined utility of rain and sun, and a compact and lightweight design.

The report also mentioned that sales of umbrellas, including those for men, have been increasing, showing a notable preference for high-performance products that offer heat and sunlight protection. Given these trends, the industry plans to extend sales periods and allocate more space for sun umbrellas in stores next year.

Expert Insight: Sun Umbrellas as Urban Lifelines

Masahiro Tanaka from the Japan Umbrella Promotion Council elaborated on key trends in sun umbrellas, highlighting the growing number of lightweight, high-performance models. He noted the broadening perception of sun umbrellas beyond traditional gender norms, noting their evolution towards becoming urban essentials. "From fashion items to urban infrastructure, we aim to promote the value of sun umbrellas as part of a safe and enjoyable urban environment where everyone can comfortably use them.”

The Umbrella Sommelier's Picks

Television's umbrella sommelier, Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, also shared his recommendations, featuring the 'Fanbrella' equipped with a built-in fan and the sustainable 'Bambrella' made from recycled materials and bamboo frames. "Sun umbrellas are evolving into tools that not only provide shade but also express personal enjoyment and individuality," he concluded.

Recommended Umbrellas of the Year

Below are some notable umbrellas recommended by industry stakeholders and the Tokyo government, categorized for clarity:

Functional Category:

1. Radi-cool - Cooling material for up to -11℃.
2. Summer Shield - Tri-layer laminate offering a temperature drop of over -4℃.
3. Shupatto - A unique design that doesn't require a belt for folding.
4. Aerial Tiny - Lightweight and compact weighing around 147g.

Men's Umbrella Category:

5. Cotton Lawn Shade - Large, lightweight umbrella with a 60cm rib size.
6. Shade - Featuring traditional Jacquard weaving.

Design Category:

7. Gracie - An elegant design highlighted by ruffles.

Tokyo Government Recommendations:

8. Space Cool - Offers a heat block rate of 75-80%.
9. Hat Umbrella - Keeps both hands free, convenient for active situations.
10. Hands-Free Umbrella - Secures to the body for hands-free use.

Sommelier Recommendations:

11. Fanbrella - An umbrella with a built-in fan.
12. Bambrella - A sustainable umbrella made from recycled materials and bamboo.

As the dialogue around summer umbrellas continues to evolve, it is clear that the combination of style, functionality, and health considerations will be essential in shaping the future of this urban necessity.