As discreet as they are original, discover transparent umbrellas that almost blend into the landscape. In France, people are easily seduced by their sleek design. In Japan, they are simply the most popular umbrella model. Although we don't offer them, Le Parapluie de Cherbourg reveals everything about the transparent umbrella: the reasons for its success in Japan, its advantages, and some tips... in complete transparency!
Did you know that it rains twice as much in the Land of the Rising Sun as in France? Japan's climate is predominantly subtropical and humid. Rainfall is frequent year-round and sometimes torrential, even outside the rainy season! In this context, it's easy to understand why the Japanese are big fans of umbrellas, and how important it is to always have one handy.
In Japan, the kasa (Japanese for umbrella) is part of the cultural customs, as is the practice of systematically checking the weather forecast before going out. On weather forecast maps, it's not clouds, but umbrellas, that indicate the risk of bad weather!
Every year, 100 million umbrellas are sold in Japan, all models combined. This staggering figure places the Japanese population at the top of the list of biggest umbrella users. They own between 3 and 4 per person on average and do not hesitate to carry one everywhere as a precaution. Carrying an umbrella denotes a foresighted character, a quality particularly appreciated in Japan, whatever the weather. Even if the weather is not rainy, this accessory always finds a use by acting as aombrelle in sunny weather.
With every downpour, the umbrellas instantly unfurl and begin a multicolored waltz. A real treat for the eyes... but also a headache for pedestrians, especially on the busy streets of major cities. For passersby, it's a matter of moving smoothly through this shifting forest of umbrellas, taking care to avoid collisions.
As you can see, umbrellas are ubiquitous in Japan. They're even considered a fashion accessory in their own right. Specialized shops and workshops abound, offering a particularly diverse range, from standard models to the most fashionable umbrellas, including handmade and high-tech umbrellas.
Despite everything, the most common umbrella you come across in the city is undoubtedly the transparent umbrella (binîrugasa). It comes in different forms, from the large bell-shaped transparent umbrella to the small folding transparent umbrella. Very popular, standard versions of this "everyday" umbrella are offered at ridiculously low prices in most convenience stores (konbini). The Japanese consume them frenziedly. They can be found on literally every street corner day and night, making them the ideal emergency umbrella. The concept also comes in more original versions, with transparent umbrellas in colors or printed with patterns, which are also very popular.
In Japan, the transparent umbrella is a commonplace and short-lived object whose use can sometimes be disconcerting.
Many Japanese use it for a long time and regularly, while others consider it a single-use "emergency umbrella" due to its low cost. It is not uncommon for a transparent umbrella to barely last during a storm, before being placed in a trash can, or "forgotten" in one of the countless umbrella bins available to the public.
In fact, a large majority of the population considers the transparent umbrella as an impersonal possession that can be shared and borrowed at will. Remember that in Japan, wet umbrellas are not welcome inside public establishments: they must be deposited at the entrance. Borrowing and exchanging are therefore commonplace, and there is a certain amount of confusion in the umbrella lockers!
The whole point of the transparent umbrella lies in its translucent fabric. Perfect for simplifying travel, it plays its role as a protective bubble perfectly, without limiting the field of vision. Unlike an opaque umbrella, it offers a panoramic view of the world to avoid potential obstacles but also to take advantage of daylight if the sky is not too dark. This practicality is appreciated at all ages, including children, who are generally delighted to see through their umbrella, if only to observe the raindrops!
Easy to adopt, the transparent umbrella comes in a wide variety of shapes and finishes. All that's left is to choose between a umbrella shape , a large transparent umbrella to share with a partner, or a small, foldable transparent umbrella, compact and easy to slip into your bag.
With a design reduced to the essentials, the totally transparent and colorless models are the most discreet: relatively versatile, they easily match any outfit even if they show a certain originality!
Indeed, its transparency doesn't prevent it from demonstrating a certain originality or standing out in the crowd. While the transparent umbrella is discreet, it's not inconspicuous. Its style, its possible shapes, and its fabric give it a decidedly modern look. For this reason, a transparent umbrella never goes completely unnoticed and always blends more easily with a contemporary or casual look.
Colorful, iridescent, lace-like, decorated with a placed pattern, entirely printed with polka dots, stripes or bordered with a fine edging, the transparent umbrella is available in futuristic, playful or retro styles. The junior models, for their part, are not lacking in inventiveness and stick to the favorite worlds of the youngest. As you can see, the infinite variety of models available on the market ensures that you will find a transparent umbrella that suits you and pleases you.
Our final tip: it is advisable to opt for a quality transparent umbrella, which is generally more durable than a low-end and cheap model. This is the philosophy of the Manufacture: le Parapluie de Cherbourg, even if it does not offer a transparent umbrella, advocates above all quality materials and well-made umbrellas, whatever the model.
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