We have compiled a guide on how to care for your Hokusai graphic umbrella so that you can enjoy it for a long time.
Basic umbrella care
1. Drain properly
Shaking the umbrella or twisting it around to remove water droplets can cause significant stress on the handle, shaft, and joints. This can cause the handle to crack or become easily detached. Hold the runner and slide the shaft to remove water.2. After getting wet in the rain, dry thoroughly
Leaving the umbrella wet can cause rust and discoloration of the ribs. Wipe off any moisture with a towel or other soft cloth, and be sure to dry it in the shade before storing it in the umbrella bag.3. Cleaning
Rain umbrellas and umbrellas for all weather conditions cannot be washed. If they do get dirty, dilute a mild detergent in lukewarm water, soak a soft cloth such as a sponge in the solution, and gently tap the umbrella to remove the dirt. After that, be sure to dry it in the shade before storing it.4. Color fading and color transfer
Direct sunlight and other light sources can cause fading and damage to the fibers. When drying your umbrella, be sure to avoid direct sunlight and dry it in the shade for a short period of time. Also, please be aware that polyester material may transfer color if left in a vinyl or plastic bag for a long period of time.5. Store in a dark place as much as possible
If you leave your umbrella wet in a car or trunk, it will become hot and humid, which can cause the ribs to rust or bend. The folds can also become discolored, and the ribs can easily bend in the summer. If you put your umbrella in an umbrella stand without drying it, or if the stand is placed in a sunny spot, the folds may become discolored.6. Check regularly
Due to the structure of an umbrella, the more ribs there are, the less tightly the ribs and fabric fit together, which can cause rain to leak through the gaps at the tip on heavy rainy days. If you start to feel wet while using a long umbrella, push the rubber part on the underside of the tip all the way up to make the ribs and fabric fit together tightly. For folding umbrellas, make sure to tighten the screw part at the top of the front side firmly before use.Care for your bangasa umbrella
Tips for opening a bangasa umbrella
To open the umbrella, hold the handle and gently turn it left and right. Once it opens a little, hold the inner wheel and open it. Open slowly and do not use force.How to hold a folding umbrella when it is closed
Japanese umbrellas do not have a handle like Western umbrellas. They are held by either grasping the wheel or by the string attached to the wheel. If you hold it like a Western umbrella, it will open.How to store a bangasa umbrella
Carry a closed folding umbrella with the handle facing downwards. Do not leave it upside down in an umbrella stand like a Western-style umbrella; instead, lean it upside down against a wall or hang it by the string at the top. When storing the umbrella, please use a dehumidifier and insect repellent and store it in a well-ventilated, dark place. Even if you will not be using it for an extended period of time, open it once or twice a month to allow it to air out.Points to note about the characteristics of a folding umbrella
Japanese umbrellas are made with colored washi paper, so the color may fade slightly when you first start using them. Please be careful not to stain your clothes. The color will stop fading as you use the umbrella.How long does a folding umbrella last?
Even with regular use, they can last for more than five years. Japanese umbrellas are oiled to make them waterproof. Over time, the washi paper deteriorates and the oil hardens, causing it to become brittle and tear, making it unusable. Even if you buy one as an interior decoration, it can last a long time if you take good care of it, such as by regularly airing it out.Other troubleshooting methods
The washi paper is stuck and won't open!
If the oil on the umbrella sticks to it and it becomes difficult to open, warm it up a little and then open it slowly while fanning the washi paper. Forcing it open may cause damage.The color of the umbrella has changed!
Japanese umbrellas are oiled for a waterproof finish. As a result, over time the washi paper will turn a pale yellow (flaxen color). This change is due to the properties of the oil and is called "drying out." Please rest assured that this is not an abnormal discoloration. In particular, dried-out folding umbrellas are preferred.Caring for your Maiko umbrella
Tips for opening a maiko umbrella
When opening the umbrella, do so slowly and without applying excessive force.How to hold a maiko umbrella when closed
Separate the handles and lean the kettle against a wall with the top facing up. Do not place the kettle on the floor with the ferrule still attached, as this may cause the cotton pearls to come off.How to store a maiko umbrella
After use, be sure to dry the umbrella in the shade to remove all moisture. When storing, wipe it dry with the umbrella closed, use a dehumidifier and insect repellent, and store it in a well-ventilated, dark place. Even if you will not be using the umbrella for an extended period of time, open it once or twice a month to allow it to air out.Important points to note when using a maiko umbrella
- There is a screw in the center of the handle, and you can remove the lower half of the handle by turning it. It is convenient to remove it when carrying or storing. When using it as an umbrella, please make sure to keep the handle attached.
- Please refrain from washing the product with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it gently with a dry cloth.
- If the product is left in contact with the same area for a long time or gets wet, the color may transfer or fade. Please be careful not to stain your clothing.
- The umbrella has sharp tips, so please be careful of your surroundings when using it.
