
Komiya Shoten’s Crafting of Umbrellas

Komiya Shoten’s Crafting of Umbrellas
ABOUT
OUR
UMBRELLA
A Comforting Warmth, An Elegant Presence, Handcrafted Umbrellas That Carry On Tradition
Since its founding in 1930, Komiya Shoten has continued to make umbrellas with the belief that they should be cherished as a part of fashion and used for years to come.

Crafting a Single Umbrella with Care
Each Komiya Shoten umbrella is meticulously handcrafted by artisans through numerous steps. Starting with the creation of a wooden mold, they carefully adjust the fabric tension and crafting each umbrella as if in dialogue with the materials.
The dignified way it is held, the crisp sound when opened, the feel in your hands, the sound of raindrops, and the elegant shape—every detail embodies quality and comfort. We hope that when you open our umbrella, you will feel the passion behind its creation.
Fashion
Expressing Contemporary Fashion Through Traditional Techniques
Trends may change over time, but we aspire to create umbrellas that remain timeless fashion accessories.
By leveraging the traditional techniques of Koshu-ori weaving—including twisting, dyeing, printing, warping, and weaving—we express beauty through umbrellas. We focus on the finest color nuances to create designs unique to Komiya Shoten.
While equipping our umbrellas with functionality for diverse lifestyles, we remain deeply committed to the formal beauty of Western-style umbrellas. We continuously refine our craft and take on new challenges to share their enduring charm with more people.


Craftsmanship
The Mold is the Heart of the Umbrella
The "shape" of an umbrella is determined by its "mold."
The mold is a triangular wooden tool with curves used to cut the fabric, and artisans create a unique mold for each umbrella type. They make fine millimeter-level adjustments to the length and angles to match the fabric and frame, going through numerous trials to perfect the mold. This dedication and craftsmanship have shaped Komiya Shoten's beautiful umbrella shape since its founding.
Komiya Shoten considers the "mold" that has been cherished over the years as the "soul" of the umbrella, and based on this, we created the HAND MADE logo. This logo is a symbol of the craftsman's heartfelt dedication. Moving forward, we will continue to create umbrellas with sincerity, passing down this traditional spirit to the next generation.

The Umbrella-Making Process
Even in today’s age of automation, umbrella-making still requires human hands for nearly every step of the process. The quality of the finished product depends on the experience and knowledge of the craftsmen. Here, we introduce the umbrella-making process at Komiya Shoten, supported by such skilled craftsmanship.
The Umbrella-Making ProcessTradition
A Tradition of Umbrella Craftsmanship Passed Down
Wrapping the "rokuro(runner)" with fabric to prevent hand injuries when opening the umbrella.
Protecting the joints with fabric to prevent damage.
Hand-sewn labels to ensure durability.
Adding caps to enhance waterproofing.
Perfecting the fabric tension to achieve a beautiful form.
From master to apprentice, and from apprentice to future generations—the techniques and values passed down since our founding in 1930 continue to be inherited and refined.

Tokyo's Traditional Craft: Tokyo Yogasa
Tokyo's umbrella-making tradition, which dates back to the Meiji era, was designated as a traditional craft of Tokyo city under the name "Tokyo Yogasa" in 2018. Introduced from the West during the late Edo period, the umbrella has been passed down through Tokyo’s meticulous craftsmanship and sensibility, and now lives on as a modern traditional craft.
Tokyo Yogasa

Sustainability
Crafted with Thoughtful Care for Lasting Use
We offer aftercare services such as maintenance and repairs for umbrellas purchased from Komiya Shoten. In addition to repairs, we also provide consultation on proper care.
Umbrella RepairsRelated articles
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