Yodoe Umbrella

By the Taisho period (1912-1926), there were some 71 local umbrella manufacturers, producing approximately 170,000 units annually. The umbrellas were not only sold locally in Tottori prefecture, but shipped to another 32 prefectures in Western Japan as far as the Kanto and Tohoku regions.

The Yodoe umbrellas demand eventually declined with the importation of mass produced umbrellas from America and Europe, which peaked in the years 1951-52. Many Yodoe umbrella makers went out of business due to the competition. Despite the Yodoe umbrella craft being designated an intangible cultural property by the Japanese government in 1976, the last manufacturer of Yodoe umbrellas ended its production in 1984. Today, Yodoe umbrellas are hand-crafted by members of the Yodoegasa Densho no Kai (Traditional Yodoe Umbrella Perservation Society). 

The bamboo is cut in various lengths designated for the specific parts required for the umbrellas production. These lengths are then soaked in a tub of water to allow the bamboo to absorb moisture to remove impurities and make the bamboo more malleable.

Lines are then diagonally marked on the bamboo to guide the craftsman in the creation of  the required pieces. Tiny cuts are also made on the end to provide precise starting points for where the bamboo is to be roughly split using a large knife.

The umbrella's frame includes a long main rib and a smaller short rib for support, which are called the runner and handle. These parts are assembled using a needle and thread.

To make the paper umbrella waterproof, linseed or other plant oils are applied to the outer surface of the canopy using a soft cloth. The treated paper is then painted and left to dry in the sun. This process can be repeated to enhance the durability of the umbrella.

Also known as karakasa, the bangasa were once the most widely-produced and popular umbrellas used in daily life. In addition to this most common type, there were also other specialized types including the iro-bangasa that used colored washi paper, and the susokuro-bangasa that included a band of black washi paper running around the rim of the canopy.

Odorigasa is used at the Shanshan Matsuri held in Tottori city every year in August. This type of umbrella is also used at other events, such as sports events, culture festivals, as well as in dance performances.

Young artisans who studied the craft at Yodoegasa Denshokan have gone on to independently create dynamic new umbrellas. Hasegawa Arisa from Wagasa Kobo Hatsune is one such artisan, building on traditional umbrella making and creating original designs that are practical while possessing colorful design and modern sensibility.

During the Summer Obon Festival in recent years, Yodoe umbrellas have been used in dramatic fashion as art installation at the reknowned Ogamiyama Shrine and Oyama Temple at the foot of Mt. Daisan in Tottori prefecture. During the annual ritual, lanterns are lighted to commemorate one's ancestors. In Tottori prefecture, Yodoe umbrellas served as the colorful lanterns to light up the sacred grounds to fantastical affect.