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June is the start of the rainy season in Japan, so we’re about to start seeing a lot more umbrellas popping open. That doesn’t mean they’ll be going away once we get into the dryer weather of the second half of the summer, though. We’ll just start seeing more people in Japan carrying parasols instead.
Well, we’ll start seeing more women in Japan carrying parasols, anyway. The vast majority of the male population will be toughing it out under the punishing rays of the midsummer midday sun, as parasols are still widely seen as a feminine way to stay in the shade. That image nay be changing, though, if a recent survey is anything to go by.
First off, let’s talk about the design of parasols in present-day Japan. While the word “parasol” might bring to mind images of dainty things with lacy decorative accouterments, most parasols sold in Japan are of a pretty reserved design. The material used is selected more for its UV-blocking properties than its ability to hold up under the impact of pounding rain, but otherwise they’re pretty much normal umbrellas, as you can see with the parasol pictured below.
You can also find parasols with even more understated designs such as solid black or navy blue, that are visually indistinguishable from the umbrellas carried by countless Japanese men during rainstorms. Manufacturers sometimes market these as “parasols for men,” but are men willing to use them?
That question was part of a recent survey by Men’s Rize, a chain of men’s hair removal clinics, which conducted a survey collecting responses from a total of 660 Japanese men in their teens, 20s, 30, and 40s. 64.3 percent of them said they worry about the effects of UV rays on their skin, and an overwhelming majority of them, 79.7 percent, said they support the idea of men using parasols to keep the sun off of them.
The breakdown by age group for respondents in favor of men’s parasols was:
● Teens: 89.6 percent
● 20s: 76.4 percent
● 30s: 80 percent
● 40s: 72,7 percent
This probably isn’t a guarantee that we’re going to suddenly start seeing eight out of ten dudes in Japan popping open parasols this summer, though. In Japan, protecting your skin from UV rays is still more widely thought of as a cosmetic preference than a health concern. With the survey being conducted by a hair removal clinic, odds are the respondents are men who are already more concerned with their personal appearance than the average Japanese guy. Still, it shows that there’s a lot of support for men’s parasols in at least one subset of the male demographic, so it could be a sign of things to come.
Source: Maido News via D Menu News via Otakomu
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© SoraNews24
17 Comments
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Nagoyajin
Too late! After years of reluctance, this old dude has been using a subtle Tokyu Hands men’s parasol for several 5 years. No going back now. It prevents my skin getting more spotty or cancerous & feels much cooler in my own shade. Win-win!
Speed
A little sun and Vitamin D is good for ya.
Sanjinosebleed
Get a hat!
garypen
If only there was something that could keep the sun off of your head, face, and neck, but that you don't have to carry. Maybe something that could fit comfortably on your head.
BeerDeliveryGuy
What is this nonsense?
My servants carry my fan of ostrich feathers over me, as is only proper.
Mocheake
My caps and hats work pretty well but things may take longer to catch on here and maybe the men just have never heard of these things. There are tutorials online on how to buy, care for and wear them.
Jonathan Prin
Japanese women use parasols and long mitts to hide from the sun to stay white, not to protect against sun itself. Hat does the job well enough for everyone but hairstyle with long hair imposes more the parasol.
I like it for women if not too large. It remains a woman's accessory as the shape tells.
Blacklabel
No it is not.
kolohe
Besides myself, I see quite a few men, even young ones, using parasols. What's the big deal? Real men don't care what anyone else thinks.
purple_depressed_bacon
I fail to see how this even rates getting its own article. If you want to use a parasol, use it. Who is stopping you?
BackpackingNepal
Only in Japan, ridiculous topic and debate keeps floating around the island.
William Bjornson
Recently we heard of the increased use of make-up by hetero Nihonjin men and, now, parasols. These trends should really play well in America, I can't wait to see the grisly news stories... but I think the sombrero (Mexican male 'parasol' (trans: 'for the sun') has a better chance, except on the Tokyo subways...
Desert Tortoise
Some decades ago while still in the Navy I recall the day the Chair Force (Air Force) authorized the use of umbrellas by male members while in uniform. You can well imagine the derision they received from their Navy and Army brothers and sisters, two services where we were well accustomed to doing out jobs outdoors in whatever nature was dealing us. Pity the poor Chair Force wimp who feels they need an umbrella. Waaaaa.
BeerDeliveryGuy
The traditional bamboo and paper umbrellas were used by both men and women, until the Meiji era made the bowler hat-kimono combo more popular with men.
BeerDeliveryGuy
The Navy and Army are the only real service branches.
The Air Force is a corporation, and the Marine Corps is a cult.
Aly Rustom
Is it time for men in Japan to start using parasols?
Sure. They're already feminine enough. That's all they need now.
Ikemen Paradise Parasol.
LOL! Ne?!
YUP!