Keep it long, treasure it long.

More Convenient with 2WAY

If you're looking for a foldable umbrella that you can cherish for years but haven't found the perfect one yet, you may be settling for a temporary solution. Umbrellas serve both practical and fashion purposes, making it challenging to find one that you truly love while still meeting your needs. That's why we highly recommend the KOMIYA Kōshu-ori All-Weather Foldable Umbrella Kasane (2WAY) for those who are in search of something special.

See long umbrellas here >>

Functionality and Beauty

The Kōshu-ori All-Weather Foldable Umbrella Kasane (2WAY) is crafted from traditional Kōshu-ori fabric. This high-quality textile, woven in Kōshu (Yamanashi Prefecture), is renowned for its beauty and quality, often compared to Nishijin-ori. Even when closed, the umbrella exudes the elegance unique to Kōshu-ori, but when opened, its beauty truly shines. This is because it features two different colors on the outside and inside, which is the origin of its name "Kasane." The use of different colored threads on each side allows for a subtle glimpse of the inner color on the outer surface, creating a rich depth of color that sets it apart from single-color weaves. The color on the underside is also designed to enhance your complexion. Closed, it looks refined; opened, it bursts with vibrancy. Such understated charm adds a touch of sophistication to rainy streets. The handle is made from a resin that mimics tortoiseshell, giving it a classic impression. Its curved grip allows for a secure hold, similar to that of a long umbrella.

While beauty is important, functionality is equally essential in a foldable umbrella. This umbrella features a design where the tip of the umbrella fits into a groove in the handle, allowing you to carry it even when the ribs are extended. Additionally, it comes with name bands on both the inside and outside, enabling it to be secured when closed, making it a 2WAY umbrella that can be carried like a long umbrella. This design saves you the hassle of folding the umbrella while your hands are wet from the rain. The materials used include lightweight, rust-resistant, and flexible fiberglass for the ribs, and aluminum for the shaft, balancing lightness and durability.

The Kōshu-ori Foldable Umbrella Kasane is an umbrella that you'll want to carry everywhere, regardless of the color. It combines two colors in a way that brings joy and individuality to your everyday use. This umbrella is not only perfect for personal use but also makes an excellent gift.

Dedicated to Western Umbrellas, Committed Craftsmanship

KOMIYA, the brand developed by Komiya Shoten, started in Tokyo in 1930 as a manufacturer of Western umbrellas and shawls. Since its inception, it has focused solely on Western umbrellas, continuing to produce domestically made umbrellas in Japan, which have become increasingly rare. At that time, the common umbrella for the Japanese public was the "ban-umbrella," made with a bamboo frame covered in washi paper and treated with oil. In contrast, Western umbrellas, made with iron frames and fabrics like silk or cotton, were luxury items owned only by a select few. Komiya Shoten began producing Western umbrellas using Kōshu-ori fabric from its hometown.

After some time, Japan entered a wartime period. Komiya Shoten faced numerous challenges, including the destruction of its store and home during air raids and difficulties in production due to material control. However, after the war, they rebuilt their store in Higashi-Nihonbashi amidst the ruins and started anew. In the 1950s and 1960s, Japan boasted the highest production, consumption, and export of umbrellas in the world. In the Higashi-Nihonbashi area alone, over 70 umbrella shops thrived, filled with skilled craftsmen, creating a vibrant industry. However, following the oil crisis and the collapse of the bubble economy, many companies shifted their production to countries like China, where labor costs were lower. Many Japanese umbrella craftsmen were forced out of business, and numerous shops closed due to price destruction. Today, only a handful of umbrella makers in Tokyo continue to produce umbrellas in Japan. Despite the turbulent times, Komiya Shoten has managed to remain in business.

Regardless of the era, they have upheld their founding tradition of "producing quality goods within our own oversight," maintaining quality and earning trust by sincerely addressing customer needs. They have consistently sought improvement, integrating innovative technologies to enhance durability against heavy rain and increasing UV protection. The umbrellas of KOMIYA, with their rich history, are indeed a testament to this commitment. While Japanese-made umbrellas may be more expensive, they reflect the careful craftsmanship of skilled artisans using traditional fabrics and techniques, making them "lifetime" umbrellas that you'll want to keep using. Why not take a stroll through the rainy streets with a KOMIYA umbrella?