Unique Japanese Umbrellas and Parasols by Kasa

While some believe that umbrellas are to cover the sun and umbrellas to protect from the rain, the truth is that umbrellas are for women and umbrellas are unisex. In Japanese there is no such difference between umbrella and umbrella, there it is called umbrella [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 umbrella is also written (笠) and refers to old hats that bear a similarity to current umbrellas. We can start by citing 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 TT This one really serves to protect just from the rain, but its material was good and resistant.

Kasa - umbrellas and parasols that only exist in Japan

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 Heian period (794-1185) and became popular in the Edo period. They were closely associated with geishas and today they are worn on special occasions.

The wagasa have different traits, colors, designs and symbols. Purple parasols are often worn by geishas and are a symbol of longevity. Dancers often wear pink, middle-aged people green or red, seniors dark blue and white are used in funerals.

Kasa - umbrellas and parasols that only exist in Japan

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.

Kasa - umbrellas and parasols that only exist in Japan

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 which resembles a katana;
  • Umbrella Kokesh i – The name is self-explanatory, it has a kokeshi in its handle;
  • Vegetabrella – This one crossed the line and turned into a salad;

perverted umbrellas – A project called The Milion Girls with the aim of promoting the concept of bizarre Japan, created an umbrella called Upskirt Umbrella. In its lower part you find the view of the legs and panties of a Japanese schoolgirl in anime.

Kasa - umbrellas and parasols that only exist in Japan

Have you ever encountered someone using these bizarre umbrellas? Are you brave enough to buy one of these umbrellas? We appreciate your comment and sharing. Hope you liked it, don't forget to read our article about aiaigasa.

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