What kind of rain gear is there? Useful rain gear for rainy days

What do you think of when you hear the word "rain gear"? "Of course everyone will say umbrella!" It's true that many people use umbrellas on rainy days, but the way people think about rain gear actually varies depending on their position and the situation. So today, I'd like to take a look at a variety of rain gear.

umbrella

The leading modern rain gear is the umbrella. Japanese umbrellas originated in the Asuka period when they were imported from China via Baekje and then modified to fit Japan's unique needs (to be able to open and close). They were used as parasols until the Muromachi period, when oil was applied to washi paper to make them waterproof and they began to be used as umbrellas. Japanese umbrellas became popular during the Edo period, but with the start of the Meiji period, they were overshadowed by the appearance of Western umbrellas and their use became limited. The Western umbrellas we use today also began as sunshades, and it wasn't until the 1900s that they began to be used as rain protection. Japanese umbrellas have been in use for much longer, which shows how fast Western technological innovation was.

Japanese Pattern Textile Natural Bamboo 16-Stem Long Umbrella, Kikubishi - Roman

The traditional Japanese "Kikubishi" pattern is used in a Taisho Romantic color scheme, creating a cute yet chic design. The bold and modern Japanese graphic design that covers the entire umbrella fabric is the result of artisans' careful handiwork, as they connect the pattern to the 16 black frames, which are less likely to show rust. The frame is made of fiberglass, which is light, flexible, strong, and resistant to wind and rain. The handle is made of natural bamboo with strong joints that has been bent to create a cute silhouette that is easy to hold, and is attached with an original plate featuring the brand logo.

Natural Bamboo Tri-Fold Umbrella - Paper-cut Rain Pattern, Red Hanging Flowers

A collaboration between paper cutting artist 1+11= (Keiko Sasaki) and Hokusai Graphics! This tri-fold umbrella depicts a journey of falling rain flowing alongside fish. The fabric is thick, UV-resistant polyester, and the shaft, tip, buttons, and strap are all black to accentuate the bold pattern, creating a stylish impression. The handle is made of luxurious natural bamboo, and the branded Hokusai crest is also featured on the umbrella band and the fasteners on the umbrella case, resulting in a meticulous finish down to the smallest detail. Its high light-blocking properties make it a great parasol to wear with a summer yukata.

Safe Transparent Children's Umbrella - Osanagoyagasuri

long umbrella bag

This is the long umbrella version of the umbrella pouch that often comes with folding umbrellas for easy storage and carrying in a bag. In Japan, where long umbrellas are more popular than folding umbrellas, it's a very useful piece of rain gear to have. In fact, it's an item that many people search for online, but it's rare to find it sold separately. It's a rain gear that would be appreciated as a gift set with a long umbrella, but it's also a great inexpensive gift to give on its own as a small thank you.

Japanese Pattern Textile Long Umbrella Bag - Rays of Light

This umbrella bag features retro-pop colors and depicts the phenomenon of "rays of light," also known as angel's ladders, where thin strips of light shine through gaps in the clouds to the ground. The fabric is made of the same polyester as the Hokusai graphic umbrella, and water droplets run off through holes in the tip, preventing the cover from becoming heavy with rainwater.

Raincoat

Many people are aware of raincoats, but wonder when they last wore one. In Japan, raincoats, which were used to protect against heat and cold, were repurposed as rain gear until the 1400s. In the 1500s, raincoats were inspired by the clothing worn by Spanish and Portuguese people who arrived in Japan. The original raincoats were made from wool and worn by warlords in the Sengoku period. After Japan's period of national isolation, it wasn't until the mid-Edo period that cotton raincoats became popular among relatively wealthy townspeople. Further in the years that followed, at the end of the Meiji period, raincoats appeared as rubberized waterproof capes, and it was around this time that the shape that modern people recognize as raincoats was adopted.

Japanese Pattern Textile Raincoat - TSUBAKI Navy Blue

Japanese Pattern Textile Children's Raincoat - Koma Blue

This unisex rain poncho features a roomy size that can be worn even while carrying a backpack, and a bold, modern Japanese graphic design on the entire surface. Raincoats are an essential piece of rain gear for housewives who like to go shopping by bicycle, or for walking small children who still have short attention spans. Because raincoats are a product that is only used by a certain type of person and at certain times of the year, designs for raincoats are generally not as diverse as those for umbrellas, but when it comes to Hokusai Graphic, a brand specializing in Japanese-pattern umbrellas, they can be as stylish as this!

Rain hat

Rain hats aren't just useful on rainy days! They're also great for a variety of occasions, including swimming in the ocean, mountain climbing, and outdoor festivals where you'll be spending the whole day outside, where you want to protect your face from getting wet and sunburned.

Japanese Pattern Textile Reversible Rain Hat Hydrangea - Natural - 60cm

Boots/Rain boots

These rubber boots are said to have originated from Wellington boots, which became popular in the UK in the 1800s. In Japan, they were first produced in 1954.

Azuma bag

The Azuma bag, also known as the Miyuki bag or Sankaku bag, is a bag that forms a triangle when held. Why did we introduce it as rain gear? Because if you're looking for a small bag to put wet items in, or a bag-in-bag to put things like your smartphone that are vulnerable to rain, the Azuma bag, made from Hokusai Graphic umbrella fabric, is recommended.

Japanese pattern textile Azuma bag - plum

Reflector

Reflectors can protect you and your loved ones on rainy days, when visibility is poorer than usual for both pedestrians and drivers. Preschoolers are short and often difficult for adults to see, elementary school children may walk alone on the road at night after cram school, and pedestrians are harder for drivers to see at night than cyclists with reflectors. By keeping some cute reflectors on hand, you can help build awareness of constantly protecting yourself from dangers around you.

Hokusai Reflector - Waves

What did you think? We've taken a quick look at various types of rain gear, and you'll notice that many items have a wide range of functions despite being called rain gear. We hope you'll discover some visually appealing, versatile, and convenient items at Hokusai Graphics.