Why Don't Japanese People Often Use Folding Umbrellas on Rainy Days?

The rainy season has arrived in Japan, later than usual. Many people are probably carrying a folding umbrella in their bags, just in case of sudden, unexpected rain as per the forecast. However, even though it's a precaution, some people seem reluctant to use a folding umbrella when it rains. Why is that, even when they carry it around? We asked those who carry a folding umbrella but don't use it when it rains about their true feelings.

Not directly related to the article / Source: GPT4o

Mr. A, a man in his 30s working for an IT company, always keeps a folding umbrella in his bag but says he "tries not to use it even when it rains." "It's a hassle considering the trouble after use. My hands get wet when I fold it, it's difficult to fold it neatly, and even if I take my time and fold it properly, it's not easy to put it back in the cover. And I don't like the inside of the cover getting wet in the first place." Considering these inconveniences and hassles, he finds it easier to "run and get to his destination" when it's not a heavy downpour. "With a long umbrella, I can use it even if raindrops are falling, but a folding umbrella is too much trouble, so I usually just run. A folding umbrella is really a last resort, like when it's a heavy downpour and there's no other option." (Mr. A)

Ms. B, a woman in her 20s working for a real estate company, also says that "even when I try to use it, I end up not using it many times." "Folding umbrellas don't fit in umbrella stands at shops, so I end up leaning them against the stand. Puddles form, and rainwater keeps dripping onto the umbrella, which doesn't feel good. Plus, I often lose the umbrella cover. Once I take it out and use it, I develop a habit of not putting it back, so it ends up sleeping in my bag without a cover. I don't really want to use it, but it gives me a sense of security as 'insurance.'"

There are also those who find the feel of using them unpleasant. Ms. C, a woman in her 40s working at a company, carries a "one-piece" folding umbrella but says she "doesn't use it on rainy days." "Honestly, I can't say the feel is good. As a parasol, it's convenient for blocking sunlight. But as an umbrella, it's small, and before you know it, you're getting wet. The shaft part is also short, so it barely covers my head." However, Ms. C chuckled as she said that when she gets caught in the rain outside, she "somehow ends up buying a folding umbrella." "I could just buy a disposable umbrella, but I have too many disposable umbrellas at home, and I don't want to add to the collection. And they tend to bend easily and become unusable. So, I start thinking, should I just spend a little more and get a folding umbrella..." (Ms. C) Although folding umbrellas are known for their portability, lightness, and compactness compared to long umbrellas, it seems that many people find them difficult to handle.

These inconveniences of folding umbrellas explain why people prefer long umbrellas on rainy days. Long umbrellas are larger than folding umbrellas, making them much more sturdy against wind and rain, and they provide better protection from the rain. Also, there's no worry of losing the umbrella cover, and there's less hassle with folding and unfolding.

However, folding umbrellas have the advantage of being easy to carry around because of their excellent portability. They are also cheaper than long umbrellas and come in a wide variety of designs and colors, offering a broader range of choices.

In conclusion, the reason why Japanese people don't often use folding umbrellas on rainy days can be attributed to the inconveniences associated with them. However, folding umbrellas offer portability and affordability that long umbrellas can't match. Therefore, those who use folding umbrellas appear to do so while considering these advantages.