As discreet as they are original, discover transparent umbrellas that almost blend into the landscape. In France, we like to let ourselves be seduced by its sleek design. In Japan, it's quite simply the most popular umbrella model. Although we don't carry any, Le Parapluie de Cherbourg reveals all about the transparent umbrella: the reasons for its success in Japan, its advantages and a few tips... in all transparency!
Did you know that it rains 2 times more in Japan than in France? Japan's climate is predominantly subtropical and humid. Rainfall is frequent all year round, and sometimes torrential, even outside the rainy season! In this context, it's easy to understand why the Japanese are such umbrella fans, and how important it is to always have one to hand.
In Japan, the kasa ("umbrella" in Japanese) is part of cultural habits, as is systematically consulting the weather forecast before going out. In fact, on weather forecast maps, it's not clouds but umbrellas that indicate the risk of bad weather!
Every year, 100 million umbrellas of all models are sold in Japan. A staggering figure, which makes the Japanese the world's biggest umbrella users. They own between 3 and 4 per person on average, and don't hesitate to take one everywhere as a precaution. Carrying an umbrella shows foresight, a quality particularly appreciated in Japan, whatever the weather. Even if it's not raining, this accessory is still useful as an umbrella in sunny weather.
Every time it rains, the umbrellas instantly unfurl and start a multicolored waltz. A real feast for the eyes... but also a headache for pedestrians, especially in the busy streets of major cities. For passers-by, the challenge is to move smoothly through this moving forest of umbrellas, taking care to avoid collisions.
As you can see, umbrellas are ubiquitous in Japan. In fact, it's considered a fashion accessory in its own right. Specialized stores and workshops abound, offering a particularly diverse range of products, from standard models to the most fashionable, handmade or high-tech umbrellas.
Despite this, the one we come across most regularly in town is undoubtedly the transparent umbrella (binîrugasa). These come in a variety of forms, from large bell-shaped transparent umbrellas to small folding transparent umbrellas. Very popular, the standard versions of these "everyday" umbrellas are sold at very low prices in most convenience stores (konbini). The Japanese consume them like crazy. They're literally on every street corner, day and night, making them the ideal emergency umbrella. More original versions of the concept are also available, with colored or patterned transparent umbrellas , which are also a great success.
In Japan, the transparent umbrella is a commonplace and not very durable object, whose use can sometimes be disconcerting.
Many Japanese use them long and regularly, while others see them as a single-use "emergency umbrella" due to their low cost. It's not uncommon for a transparent umbrella to be used just long enough for a storm, before being disposed of in a garbage can, or "forgotten" in one of the countless umbrella bins available to the public.
In fact, the vast majority of the population regard the transparent umbrella as an impersonal item to be shared and borrowed at will. In Japan, wet umbrellas are not welcome inside public establishments: they must be left at the entrance. Borrowing and exchanging umbrellas is therefore commonplace, and there's a certain confusion in the umbrella lockers!
The appeal of the transparent umbrella lies in its translucent canopy. Perfect for simplifying travel, it acts as a protective bubble without restricting the field of vision. Unlike an opaque umbrella, it offers a panoramic view of the world, allowing you to avoid obstacles and take advantage of daylight if the sky isn't too dark. This practicality is appreciated by all ages, including children, who are generally delighted to see through their umbrella, if only to watch the raindrops!
Easy to adopt, transparent umbrellas come in a wide variety of shapes and finishes. All you have to do is choose between a bell-shaped umbrella, a large transparent umbrella to share as a duo, or a small folding transparent umbrella, compact and easy to slip into your bag.
With a design reduced to the essentials, totally transparent and colorless models are the most discreet: relatively all-purpose, they go easily with any outfit, even if they show a certain originality!
Indeed, its transparency doesn't prevent it from showing a certain originality, nor from standing out in a crowd. The transparent umbrella is discreet, but not obtrusive. Its style, possible shapes and canvas give it a resolutely modern look. For this reason, a transparent umbrella never goes totally unnoticed, and is always a welcome addition to a contemporary or casual look.
Colorful, iridescent, lace-like, adorned with a placed motif, fully printed with polka dots, stripes or edged with a fine border, transparent umbrellas are as easily declined in futuristic styles as in playful or retro ones. The junior models, meanwhile, are not lacking in inventiveness and stick to the universes preferred by the youngest. As you can see, the infinite variety of models available on the market means you're sure to find a transparent umbrella that suits you and appeals to you.
Our final tip: it's best to opt for a quality transparent umbrella, which is generally more durable than a cheap, low-end model. This is the Manufacture's philosophy: even if it doesn't offer transparent umbrellas, Parapluie de Cherbourg prefers quality materials and well-made umbrellas, whatever the model.
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