While some believe that sombrinhas are for shielding from the sun and guarda-chuvas are for protecting from the rain, the truth is that sombrinha is for women and guarda-chuva is unisex. In Japanese, there is no difference between sombrinha and guarda-chuva; it is called kasa [傘].
In Japan, umbrellas have many more uses than simply protecting yourself from the rain and sun. We know that Japan is famous for the countless inventions and variations of things. In this article, we are going to look at some umbrellas and umbrellas that you have no idea exist, but they only exist in Japan.
It is interesting to note that the word kasa is also written (笠) and refers to ancient hats that have a similarity to current umbrellas. We can start by mentioning a type of umbrella that I saw a lot while I was in the summer in Japan.
transparent umbrellas, it was so easy to find them, I even bought one, but unfortunately, I forgot it there in Japan T.T This really is useful for protection. just from the rain, but your material was good and durable.
Table of Contents
Wagasa - Traditional Japanese Umbrella
Let's start by talking about the traditional Japanese umbrella – wagasa! It is traditionally made with bamboo slats and washi (Aponese paper). It came from China and was a sacred instrument used in Buddhist ceremonies.
They entered Japan in the Heian period (794-1185) and became popular in the Edo period. They were highly associated with the ゲイシャ (geisha) and nowadays they are used on special occasions.
Wagasa have different traits, colors, designs, and symbols. Purple umbrellas are often used by geishas and symbolize longevity. Dancers usually use pink, middle-aged people green or red, the elderly dark blue, and white is used in funerals.
Today, traditional Japanese umbrellas are often used at events, tea and wedding ceremonies, festivals and traditional dances. Nowadays the wagasa is seen as a work of art and culture.
Japanese creativity in umbrellas
We know that Japan loves to invent things, so we can expect many umbrellas with different prints. See some themed and special umbrellas that have crossed the line. Not everyone on this list is easy to find, let alone popular.
Some umbrellas have hidden designs that only appear with water. Others have a visor to completely cover the head and continue to see. There are even umbrellas that open and close in reverse.
The Japanese have already tried to make people's lives easier by creating umbrellas that you can tie around your arms without having to hold them. They have also created a type of umbrella hat and even a hat that makes it possible to sit on it like a chair.
- Samurai Umbrella - They even invented a common umbrella, but that resembles a katana;
- Kokeshi Umbrellai - The name is self-explanatory, it has a kokeshi on its handle;
- Vegetabrella - This one has crossed the line and turned into a salad;
perverted umbrellas - A project called The Million Girls with the aim of promoting the concept of bizarre Japan created an umbrella called Upskirt Umbrella. At its bottom, you can find the view of a Japanese schoolgirl's legs and panties in anime style.
Have you ever seen someone using those bizarre umbrellas? Do you have the courage to buy one of those umbrellas? We appreciate your comment and sharing. I hope you liked it, don’t forget to read our article about aiaigasa.
