Stories & Insights ・ Haibara ＋ Komiya Shoten
Collaborative Rain & Sun Umbrella with the Long-Established Washi Shop “Haibara”
Feb,20,2025
We have completed a collaborative rain-and-sun umbrella with the long-established washi (Japanese paper) shop “Haibara” in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. This was produced in limited quantities as part of “Edo Tokyo Kirari Project.”
Haibara and Komiya Shoten
Founded in 1806, Haibara is a historic store with over 200 years of history. From its “Jyugyoku Bunko” collection of traditional designs that have been passed down through generations, we have chosen two patterns—“Chōyō” and “Kumiki”—and transformed them into umbrella fabric (rather than washi) for these rain-and-sun foldable umbrellas.
Haibara Online Museum Haibara Online Shop
About Haibara’s “Jyugyoku Bunko” Collection
“Jyugyoku Bunko” is a valuable washi collection compiled by the fourth-generation owner, Haibara Naoshirō (Nakamura Naoshirō), driven by his strong desire to preserve the beauty of Japan’s paper culture for future generations. It holds prints, illustrations, woodblocks, chiyogami, documents, and manuscripts—mainly from the Edo, Meiji, and Taishō periods—serving as important historical materials. It also includes works by leading artists of the time, such as Kawanabe Kyōsai, Shibata Zeshin, Kawabata Gyokushō, and Takehisa Yumeji (from the Haibara Online Museum).
For this project, we were granted special permission to select “Chōyō” and “Kumiki” from the “Jyugyoku Bunko” collection.
About “Chōyō”
This pattern is one of the most popular “Haibara Chiyogami” designs that has been around since the Meiji and Taishō eras, alongside the colored glass used on the outer wall of Haibara’s main store in Nihonbashi. Because the blooming of chrysanthemums signals the arrival of autumn harvests, this pattern carries the meaning of “an omen of good things to come.”
Chōyō and Hogushi Weave
For the fabric of the Chōyō umbrella, we used “hogushi-ori,” a weaving method characteristic of Kōshū-ori textiles. When dyeing the threads, we used the same printing technique (nassen) as Haibara, applying dyes for each color.
In Yamanashi, we use narrow-width looms, and during weaving, we manually remove the temporary weft threads as we go. As a result, the chrysanthemum motif has a gentle, shifting appearance—giving us a softly woven Chōyō pattern. It’s an elegant product where Japan’s traditional aesthetic beautifully merges with the skilled craftsmanship of our artisans.
Light and Functional, for Both Rainy and Sunny Days
Made of 100% polyester, it can fully handle rainy days without worry. It also has UV protection, so you can use it as a parasol. Weighing about 290g, it’s relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your bag.
Convenient 2-Way Design That Can Be Carried Like a Full-Length Umbrella
This foldable umbrella has a name band on both the inside and outside, enabling you to close the umbrella with its frame extended. Despite being a foldable umbrella, you can carry it as if it were a regular full-length one. The umbrella cover is also sized like a full-length umbrella case, so you won’t need to worry about getting your clothes wet when you bring it indoors. Additionally, you can use your own umbrella cover, which is not only convenient but also helps reduce waste.
Suitable for International Visitors
Many customers from overseas visit Komiya Shoten’s Higashi-Nihonbashi store every day. We’re very happy that they show interest in umbrellas handmade by Japanese artisans using Japanese textiles, and they often purchase them for themselves or as souvenirs.
A Perfect Gift for Someone Special
The Chōyō pattern conveys the idea of “an omen of good things to come.” Additionally, the umbrella’s shape, which spreads out, is considered auspicious in Japan. Why not give a loved one a gift with such a positive meaning on a memorable day? They are sure to be delighted.
About “Kumiki”
This pattern was featured on chiyogami that Haibara sold during the Meiji and Taishō periods. It combines various striped motifs to form a design that, at first glance, appears simple. However, the subtle wavering lines from woodblock printing produce a pleasantly rhythmic effect throughout the pattern. It’s a geometric design with a playful twist, favored by true Edo connoisseurs.
Kumiki and Jacquard Weave
We expressed the distinctive wavering lines of woodblock(kumiki) printing through a jacquard weave. Reproducing these subtle fluctuations in textile form required the combined expertise of Haibara, Komiya Shoten’s designers, and our textile makers. Although the pre-dyed yarn and woven fabric have a sheen different from washi, it still achieves the gentle feel reminiscent of woodblock printing.
Easy Opening and Closing with a Topless Design
The biggest highlight of this foldable umbrella is how effortlessly it opens and closes. Once you spread it, simply push the runner upward to open it, then pull the runner downward to close it—making for smooth opening and closing.
Also Great for International Customers
Some people find it tricky to fold Japanese two-fold umbrellas, but the topless frame here is especially popular among those who aren’t used to them. A Japanese-made umbrella with a woven jacquard textile makes a wonderful gift for friends abroad.
Unisex Design for Everyone
This umbrella has a 58cm rib size, providing ample coverage on rainy days, and is suitable for both men and women. It comes in three colors that anyone can enjoy regardless of gender.
These rain-and-sun umbrellas combine Haibara’s longstanding, traditional designs with the classic weaving techniques of Kōshū-ori. We made each in two functional variations—“Chōyō” and “Kumiki.” Please take one in hand and see the difference for yourself.
