#Japan #Tokyo #Allstadium #Torinoko #Children's Umbrella

Protecting Children with 'Shadow Friends': A Fun Start to Sunshade Habits

As the summer heat intensifies, keeping children safe is more important than ever. To combat this issue, Allstadium, based in Tokyo, has teamed up with the design office Torinoko to create an innovative umbrella that encourages children to use it willingly. This umbrella is not just any regular umbrella; it features playful designs that project charming 'shadow friends' on the ground when opened on sunny days.

A Creative Approach to Sun Protection

Many parents struggle with getting their kids to use umbrellas. Comments like, "It's too hot, please use your umbrella," often fall on deaf ears as children might close the umbrella quickly or find it cumbersome. The solution lies in not forcing them to use it, but rather creating a natural desire to do so.

The idea behind the 'shadow friends' is rooted in the love children have for playful shadow games. Kids enjoy chasing their shadows, so the design incorporates a mechanism where the act of opening the umbrella creates a fun image on the ground, enticing children to walk in the shade.

Encouraging Independence through Play

Rather than simply making it a character design, this product aims to nurture a habit of using an umbrella independently during early childhood through to lower elementary school. The umbrella transforms the mundane act of walking to school or going for outings into an exciting adventure as shadows follow along, creating a playful environment.

This design is not only meant to be functional but also seeks to change the perception of using an umbrella from a chore to something enjoyable and desirable. By encouraging children to embrace the fun aspects of using an umbrella, parents can rest easy knowing their kids are protected from harsh sunlight and heat.

Key Features of the Umbrella

• - Shadow Friends Design: When opened, the umbrella's design casts shadows of 'shadow friends' on the ground, making it entertaining for kids to use.
• - Versatile for Any Weather: Designed for both sunny and rainy days with a use that lasts throughout the year.
• - High UV and Heat Protection: Offering 99.9% UV cut and a pleasant shade similar to that found under trees.
• - Lightweight for Kids: Weighing approximately 250g, it is easy for young children to handle safely, featuring child-friendly designs to prevent pinching and ensure visibility.

Launch and Availability

This delightful children's umbrella, dubbed 'An Umbrella Kids Want to Use,' is slated for release on May 19, 2026. Interested customers can pre-order exclusively on the crowdfunding site Makuake through an 'All or Nothing' approach. The anticipated price is set at 2,800 yen, and the umbrella will come in a cheerful green color, perfect for attracting young eyes.

For more details on this innovative product, please visit the official Makuake project page here.

Project Origins

This endeavor began during the 'Design Management School' organized by the Tokyo government, where companies with diverse backgrounds united with a shared goal: to create products that protect children from risks while making safety enjoyable and engaging.

Through this collaborative approach, Allstadium and Torinoko aim to tackle the issue of children's health against extreme weather conditions with unique design thinking that makes sun protection an integral and fun part of children's daily routine.