Made in Japan! The World's Largest Umbrella Specialty Store 'Waterfront'

📍 Osaka · 👁 1693 reads

Did you know that Japanese umbrellas are very popular among foreigners?

The umbrellas themselves are highly functional, fully incorporating the Japanese spirit of hospitality, with a wide variety of designs and styles that are fashionable. In particular, the selection of folding umbrellas is significantly richer compared to overseas, and their compact, easy-to-carry advantages are also well received.

Located in Osaka's Shinsaibashi, the world's largest umbrella specialty store 'Waterfront' displays about 2,000 types of umbrellas. This time, I visited 'Waterfront' hoping to find the one that suits me best from among countless umbrellas!

I went to 'Waterfront SHINSAIBASHI/OSAKA', about a 2-minute walk from Osaka Metro's 'Shinsaibashi Station'. As soon as I entered, I was stunned by the sight! The spacious store was filled with umbrellas, umbrellas, umbrellas...

It is said that this 'Waterfront' displays 1,400 types of folding umbrellas and 600 types of long-handled umbrellas, totaling 10,000 umbrellas. Amazing!! I was already overwhelmed at this point.

Waiting for me in the store was Ms. Ota from Shoes Selection Co., Ltd., the company that operates Waterfront.

Ms. Ota from Shoes Selection Co., Ltd., the operating company of Waterfront

She usually handles sales and PR, but this time she kindly appeared as a guide! Ms. Ota, thank you for your help today.

Wa! The small umbrella Ms. Ota is holding is so cute! Apparently, this is also a product for sale.

It uses the company's rainbow colors, with 7 colors available. It is said that some people buy them as support goods for concerts. So they serve as idol support colors.

Mini umbrella from the umbrella specialty store 'Waterfront'

Why are there so many types of folding umbrellas?

Before choosing an umbrella, Ms. Ota showed me around the store. We started with the folding umbrella section.

Waterfront's philosophy is to 'promote the use of folding umbrellas.' They hope consumers will get into the habit of bringing their own umbrellas instead of using disposable plastic ones, so they put a lot of effort into selling folding umbrellas.

Among the many products, the umbrella Ms. Ota recommends the most is the 'Pocket Flat (NEW Ultra-Light Carbon).'

This umbrella is very thin and extremely light. The NEW Ultra-Light Carbon weighs 98g! The label says it's lighter than a rice ball. It fits nicely into the gaps in a bag, making it great for carrying around.

Moreover, some of the ribs are made from carbon fiber, the same material used in fishing rods, giving them excellent flexibility. I initially thought that a light umbrella would break easily, but this is Pocket Flat! The details are packed with technology.

The patented Pocket Flat series comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including items with Japanese patterns and famous paintings, as well as collaboration items with Marvel and Star Wars, so you are sure to find one you like. It would also make a great souvenir gift.

Umbrellas with Japanese patterns and famous paintings, including a 'Bird and Animal Cartoon Scroll'

Pocket Flat collaboration with Star Wars and Marvel?

Next, the product is called 'GO!GO!UMBRELLA', and its price is exactly as the name suggests: 550 yen (excluding tax) (note: '5' is pronounced 'Go' in Japanese). The color is uniformly navy, and the hanging strap is omitted to achieve this low price.

It even has UV protection, so it is a rain-or-shine umbrella. It's very affordable and seems like a good gift idea.

'GO!GO!UMBRELLA', a folding umbrella sold at a price comparable to plastic umbrellas at 550 yen

Moreover, the store has prepared a special picture book to help customers understand the company's initiatives for SDGs. The book explains in an easy-to-understand way how reducing disposable plastic umbrellas helps protect marine life. This pop-up book is also popular with children.

The store's interior also utilizes the concept of 'folding'. For example, this folding display fixture. And it's movable, becoming like this when closed. Every detail shows thoughtfulness, I'm truly impressed.

A wide array of high-tech and designer umbrellas

Next, let me introduce some high-tech umbrellas with outstanding performance and exquisitely designed umbrellas. There will be a constant stream of introductions, so keep up!

First is the ultra-water-repellent type. It uses fibers inspired by lotus leaves, so rainwater forms round droplets and rolls off. It is said that even if the water repellency decreases, it can be restored by heating with a hairdryer or iron. Ms. Ota demonstrated it with a spray.

The silver umbrella blocks 99% of UV rays. Open this umbrella, and you'll feel cool even in summer! Its name is 'Bank Clerk Parasol.' The name is quite amusing (laughs). Apparently, even in the scorching summer heat, this umbrella keeps bank clerks who often work outdoors cool and comfortable, hence the name.

'Bank Clerk Parasol' blocks over 99% of UV rays and has high heat insulation and shading rates.

Next is the corner dedicated to Made in Japan products.

Luxurious Made in Japan umbrellas are also popular among foreigners

Here, there are many umbrellas made with carefully selected materials and handcrafted, full of the unique charm of Japanese manufacturing. Of course, the price is around 10,000 yen, a bit expensive, but many foreign tourists buy them as souvenirs.

A cute parasol designed with a vegetable theme. The one I'm holding seems to be a carrot.

If you like Japanese-style designs, we recommend umbrellas with many ribs. Not only do they look good, but because there are many ribs, they are sturdy and can withstand strong winds.

This umbrella evokes the traditional Japanese 'bangasa' parasol that goes well with kimono.

The variety of colors is dazzling, making it hard to take it all in.

There is also a unique umbrella designed with the arch shape of Nagasaki's Spectacles Bridge in mind.

Umbrella inspired by the arch of Nagasaki's Spectacles Bridge

Waterfront Shinsaibashi store has countless umbrellas, far too many to introduce here.

You must come and see for yourself!

The knowledgeable staff help you find the umbrella that suits you best

This was probably the first time I looked at so many umbrellas so carefully. In Mongolia, rain stops quickly, so we don't have much of a habit of using umbrellas. The variety of umbrellas here and the technology used amazed me.

Now, it's finally time to find my own umbrella! Since I'm here, I want to buy an umbrella that is functional, cute in design, and only available here! I discussed with Ms. Ota and narrowed down my candidates. I like designs that are both subdued in color and elegantly cute.

Checking the texture of the fabric... Admiring myself in the mirror (and from above!).

Searching for an umbrella at Waterfront Shinsaibashi

After much deliberation, the umbrella I finally chose was this purple one.

The distinctive shape of the tip, combined with the purple color, made me decide on this one.

It also comes with a sleeve for storing a wet umbrella, which is a very satisfying combination!

At Waterfront, knowledgeable staff help customers choose the right umbrella. They also teach you how to fold it properly, so you can feel at ease. They are used to serving customers in English, and there are staff who speak Korean, so foreign visitors can feel comfortable.

There are also such cute boxes, making it perfect for gifting.

Special gift boxes from the umbrella specialty store Waterfront

I took my time and carefully found an umbrella I liked! Ms. Ota, thank you for today.

Purchasing an umbrella at the umbrella specialty store Waterfront

*The products introduced here are as of the time of the interview. They may be discontinued or sold out depending on the season.

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