Experience the Tradition and Beauty of the Wagasa Umbrella

Tsujikura

Founded in Kyoto in 1690 and boasting more than three centuries of history, Tsujikura is Japan’s oldest wagasa (Japanese paper umbrella) maker and seller.

The history of the wagasa goes back some 500 years to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (late-16th century), with the methods and materials used to make them remaining unchanged for the last 300 years. They were originally used by the nobility and those of high rank, and in addition to protecting the carrier from sun and rain, were also meant to ward off evil spirits. They are thought to have become more commonly used by the masses for rain protection and spread from Kyoto to the rest of the country during the Edo period (1603-1867).

Combining practicality and beauty, wagasa are also indispensable in traditional arts such as kabuki, shrine rituals, and traditional events like the Gion Festival.
In recent years, Tsujikura has been involved in collaborations with famous brands and their products have appeared in publications such as Vogue and prominent Japanese magazines. The company has also developed new products such as wagasa-inspired lighting made from washi paper and bamboo using wagasa manufacturing techniques.

There are more than 100 individual steps involved in making a wagasa, with a division of labor between multiple artisans specializing in different steps. However, with the wide availability of items such as low-cost plastic umbrellas having diminished demand for the traditional version, the number of artisans in the trade is gradually declining and most of the wagasa seen in Japan now are made overseas.

In light of this situation, Tsujikura bases its practices on a principle of ensuring the ancient Japanese traditions and culture are handed down to future generations, making authentic wagasa entirely in-house using only domestically produced materials. In recent years, the company has also been combing through old documents in an attempt to revive old designs and techniques.

In recent years, the people at Tsujikura began sensing a need to expand their services beyond merely making and selling wagasa and offering deeper cultural experiences. They recruited additional English-speaking staff, and in 2023 started offering experiences making miniature hime (princess) wagasa so that more people would be able to learn about the craft.

Participants can experience the beauty of wagasa for themselves and make their own miniature one. The session begins with a brief introduction to the history and culture of the wagasa before moving on to the actual making. Participants can choose their preferred color and design from among a curated selection of paper and parts that offer up to 180 potential combinations.

Participants will take their wagasa and a bamboo stand home in a presentation box, making a special memento of their trip or a beautiful present for a loved one. The program is an ideal opportunity to experience traditional Japanese aesthetics and acquire a sense of the kind of skills and the depth thereof that go into wagasa.

In addition to miniature wagasa-making, Tsujikura offers various special experiences such as tours of the workshop, which is usually closed to the public, to observe the umbrellas being made and the artisans’ skills close-up. The tours are a rare opportunity to watch the exquisite craftmanship of the artisans and the depth of the expertise that comes from years of experience put into practice before one’s very eyes.

Customers can also have a wagasa made-to-order from materials of their choice. This is a great way to deepen your enjoyment of Japanese culture and incorporate the traditional beauty of a wagasa into your life while reflecting on the 300 years of history behind these beautiful objects. For further details about these special experiences, please contact Tsujikura directly.