#Japan #Tokyo #Marna #Shupatto Umbrella #Umbrella Design

Transforming the Experience of Closing Umbrellas

Every time it rains, millions find themselves faced with the tedious task of closing their umbrellas. A recent survey conducted by Marna Co., Ltd., a lifestyle goods manufacturer based in Sumida, Tokyo, reveals that the average time taken to close an umbrella, wipe off the droplets, and secure it with a strap is approximately 11 seconds. This seemingly trivial amount of time accumulates over a lifetime, leading to a staggering three days—72 hours—spent on this mundane activity alone.

In the survey, which targeted 1,084 urban residents aged between 20 and 59, respondents indicated their frustrations. The principal grievances were having wet hands (65.2%) and struggling to fold the umbrella while one hand is preoccupied, often with bags or a smartphone (48.0%). With such an overwhelming percentage—88.5%—of participants expressing a desire for umbrellas that can be folded quickly and cleanly without getting their hands wet, one solution emerges: the Shupatto Umbrella.

The Shupatto Umbrella: A Game-Changer

The Shupatto Umbrella eliminates the need for a strap by integrating a unique mechanism that allows the ribs to rotate inward, effectively wrapping the fabric inside as the umbrella closes. This feature ensures that users can fold their umbrellas neatly without the hassle of wet hands, thus enhancing their overall experience during rainy days. Respondents voiced a strong anticipation for this innovation, stating they expect improved comfort and efficiency on their outings.

Shupatto aims to redefine how we think about umbrellas. The survey highlights the emotional and practical frustrations tied to rainy days, emphasizing that a simple act like folding an umbrella can significantly impact our daily lives. Shupatto adds a stylish twist to this mundane task while improving overall user satisfaction.

The Inspiration Behind Shupatto

The inception of the Shupatto Umbrella arose from a moment of clarity experienced by Marna’s president on a rainy day. Observing people struggle with the typical closing and storing process, he realized there had to be a better way. The straightforward thought of an umbrella that closes compactly led to an intensive development journey, where a product designer worked tirelessly to bring this vision to reality, ensuring the umbrella could be folded easily while also being aesthetically pleasing.

Product Offerings

The Shupatto Umbrella comes in two rain sizes and a sunshade variant:

• - Shupatto Umbrella 58cm

- Price: ¥7,150 (tax included)
- Size: Closed/Approx. 11×87.5cm, Open/Approx. 102×87.5cm
- Weight: Approx. 395g

• - Shupatto Umbrella 65cm

- Price: ¥7,700 (tax included)
- Size: Closed/Approx. 11×92.5cm, Open/Approx. 111×92.5cm
- Weight: Approx. 460g

• - Shupatto Umbrella UV 55cm

- Price: ¥8,800 (tax included)
- Size: Closed/Approx. 11×80cm, Open/Approx. 95×80cm
- Weight: Approx. 400g
- Special Edition: Ice Blue available exclusively online

About Marna Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1872, Marna is dedicated to creating lifestyle products designed to bring smiles and comfort to everyday living. Their philosophy centers around enhancing the quality of life, focusing on innovative designs that resonate with users' daily experiences. For more details, visit their official website, or check them out on Instagram and X.

In conclusion, as urban life continues to evolve, so too do the products we rely on. The Shupatto Umbrella stands as a testament to innovation, addressing everyday inconveniences while ensuring users maintain a dry, hassle-free experience on the go.