The Debut of 'Orikaze' Linen Umbrella
On March 2, 2026, Tombo Yoshikasa Maehara Kohei, a prominent umbrella manufacturer based in Taito, Tokyo, is set to unveil its new 'Orikaze' linen umbrella. This launch is complemented by a promotional video that beautifully narrates the umbrella's creation process, reflecting the craftsmanship behind each piece.
Tombo Yoshikasa, which celebrates its 78th anniversary this year, is dedicated to high-quality umbrella production, emphasizing a Japanese-made ethos. The 'Orikaze', meaning 'woven wind', aptly captures the serene elegance of its design, making it a striking accessory.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
The 'Orikaze' linen umbrella showcases a commitment to quality through its carefully woven fabric at a workshop in Yamanashi. Skilled artisans in Kyoto then shape this fabric into a masterpiece. This umbrella is characterized by its lightweight and soft texture, offering both functionality and beauty. The artisanal approach highlights a model that remains stunning whether opened or closed, making it a perfect companion for traditional Japanese garments.
The umbrella line includes both long and foldable options, available in traditional Japanese colors:
- - Long Umbrella: 6 color options including Kusakasa Iro (露草色), Anzu Iro (杏色), Kikyo Iro (桔梗色), Shirotae Iro (白妙色).
- - Foldable Umbrella: Available in the same lovely colors.
Unique Fabric Properties
The linen fabric used in 'Orikaze' is a result of meticulous craftsmanship, hand-woven using a valuable loom, which requires careful maintenance to function. The process involves gentle handling of the material due to its delicate nature, resulting in only a few meters being woven in a day. This labor-intensive method ensures that every umbrella radiates exceptional quality.
The texture is characterized by a unique crispness typical of linen, without any artificial processing, allowing the fabric to breathe. This feature makes the umbrella ideal for spring and autumn outings.
Precision in Design
The umbrellas are tailored by Konuuchi Shop in Kyoto, known for its commitment to creating umbrellas built to last. Their meticulous crafting process emphasizes the importance of precision. Each fabric's characteristics necessitate individually molded patterns for cutting, ensuring a silhouette that is not just functional but aesthetically pleasing.
The finished umbrellas open up to showcase a perfect silhouette, lighting up the wearer's spirit and enhancing their outings. Available for a premium price of ¥49,500 for the long model and ¥41,800 for the foldable version, these elegantly crafted umbrellas are an investment in artistry.
Company Heritage
Founded in 1948, Tombo Yoshikasa Maehara Kohei focuses on the traditional umbrella-making techniques in Japan. The company’s ties with the Imperial family began when they repaired a parasol used by the then Empress in the late 1960s. Since then, they've provided umbrellas for official events, maintaining a legacy that enriches people's lives through their products. The brand embodies a philosophy of transferring this craftsmanship to future generations, crafting umbrellas that are not merely accessories but pieces of art waiting to be cherished.
With its refined aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship, the 'Orikaze' umbrella is poised to be an essential item for summer outings, perfect for anyone looking to blend functionality with elegance. Visit their online store or the Asakusa Misukicho store to purchase and experience this exquisite creation firsthand.