Shaft type: Left/metal, Right/wood

*All items are for reference only.

The impression changes depending on the type of shaft.

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The type of shaft, or the central rod, can drastically change the impression of a long umbrella.
First, there's the metal shaft made from a metal pipe. Despite its thinness, it's quite strong, and when you wrap fabric around it, it gives a crisp, sharp impression.

Wooden shafts come in two types: those with a separate handle and those with a fully integrated handle. The former primarily uses woods that are less prone to warping, such as oak or tulipwood, while the latter uses the same wood as the handle, with no joints from the tip of the handle to the bottom ferrule. Compared to metal shafts, they give a more substantial impression, and those with a seamless construction from handle to ferrule have a particularly striking presence.
Recently, umbrellas with shafts made of carbon fiber or fiberglass have appeared, aiming to reduce weight. These are suitable for those who need a larger umbrella.

Changes in the number of ribs in umbrellas. From left to right: 12, 10, 8 ribs. *All are for reference only.

The length, material, and number of ribs determine the usability of an umbrella.

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And what ultimately determines the overall feel of a long umbrella is the length and number of its ribs .
For example, the length of the main ribs is almost directly related to the overall size of the umbrella. In Japan, men's umbrellas are often around 60cm long, and anything over 65cm is considered a large umbrella and is suitable for people with a larger build.

Next, let's talk about materials. In the past, whale bones were apparently used, but today the most common material is steel, which offers an excellent balance of strength and flexibility. However, for large umbrellas, carbon fiber and fiberglass are increasingly being used to reduce weight.

The number of ribs is also important. While eight ribs are common, there are also those with 10, 12, and even 16 ribs, reminiscent of traditional Japanese umbrellas. Incidentally, the more ribs there are, the closer the umbrella becomes to a perfect circle when opened, so remember that the area it can cover increases relative to the length of the ribs.

▶Page 3 explains folding umbrellas to prepare for sudden rain and how to care for them.