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TODAY'S BELOVEED ITEMS

Umbrella

A device that is spread out and held above the head to protect the body from rain, snow, and sunlight. It is a familiar tool, and in recent years, it has not only served as a fashion accessory for men on rainy days, but also as a parasol.
▶Related Q&A | Useful knowledge and care methods for umbrellas that enhance your style on rainy days

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Perhaps due to the recent intense heatwaves, the importance of parasols, as well as rain umbrellas, has increased in Japan. Traditionally, parasols were strongly associated with women, giving off a somewhat tranquil and elegant impression, but in recent years, men's parasols have also become available, and some can even be used as both rain and sun umbrellas.

Fox Umbrellas long umbrella (64cm ribs) - 27,000 yen More details here.

Central Maria Francesco long umbrella (rib length 63cm) 37,800 yen Click here for details

Right-hand front: Maehara Kōei Shoten long umbrella (65cm ribs, with bag) 27,000 yen Click here for details.

■All items available Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st floor: Belts and umbrellas

In fact, from a global historical perspective, umbrellas have evolved from parasols. Regardless of the region, they seem to have originated as canopies, used to symbolize the authority of gods or Buddhas, and were held above those in power or high-ranking monks. Since expensive silk was often used for the fabric, they were considered luxury items, and the traditional Japanese umbrella, made from processed oiled paper and relatively inexpensive to produce, was in a sense a rare case that was accessible to ordinary people.

It is believed that the use of umbrellas by men was pioneered by Jonas Hanway, an 18th-century Englishman. He was inspired by a Chinese umbrella he encountered during a trip to Persia and walked around London in the rain with a waterproofed parasol. At the time, umbrellas were considered parasols and women's items, so this must have seemed like a very strange act. However, he persevered for many years and succeeded in overturning that perception, and his idea has led to the rain umbrellas we see today.

Text by Takahiro Iino

Takahiro Iino: After graduating from university, he worked for a major steel manufacturer before becoming an independent fashion journalist and researcher. He writes about men's clothing in general, including dress shoes and suits, and discusses topics from the perspective of someone with business experience. He also teaches modern and contemporary fashion history at a vocational school and appears on and supervises television programs, making him a well-known figure in men's fashion in general. His books include "Enjoying Dress Shoes: From the First Step to Mastery," "Enjoying Dress Clothing: Choosing an Outfit That Suits Your Body and Mind" (Asahi Shimbun Publications), and "A Comprehensive Guide to Shoe Polishing and Care for Long-Lasting Shoes" (Ikeda Shoten).

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Photo: ISETAN MEN'S net
Text: Takahiro Iino

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Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor = Belts and Umbrellas
03-3352-1111 (main representative)
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