Tokyo Te-shigoto by Traditional Craftsmen

We are honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Tokyo Te-shigoto project.

With the cooperation of graphic designer Mr. Yasuhiro Suzuki, we have developed a method to dynamically arrange two types of patterns while leveraging the production background of Koshu-ori, which boasts a history of over 400 years and is produced in the Gunnai region, centered in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, a renowned umbrella fabric production area. This method overcomes the 14cm pattern limitation of jacquard looms, increasing the freedom of traditional pattern design.

About the design...

The design combines the Ramuda icon stripe pattern with "cranes" and "taba noshi" (bundled熨斗), which have been popular as auspicious patterns on kimonos since ancient times.

【Crane】Tsuru

Cranes symbolize "longevity," "vitality," and other meanings. Furthermore, as cranes mate for life, they are also a "symbol of marital harmony." In China, they have been revered as "auspicious birds" (zuichou), considered omens of good fortune.

【Taba Noshi】Tabanoshu

Taba Noshi (bundled熨斗) symbolizes "blessings from people" and "sharing happiness" due to the bundling of many熨斗. It has been popular as a textile pattern since the Edo period, and the "Furisode Koumon Chijimen Taba Noshi Mon'you" (long-sleeved kimono with red crest and bundled熨斗 pattern) created as a wedding costume at the time is now an Important Cultural Property. 

Traditional Craftsmen x Ramuda Staff

Ichihara Co., Ltd. was founded in 1946 as a manufacturer and wholesaler of general apparel accessories. Initially, the main products were leather goods (mainly belts and suspenders), but to meet customer demands, we have spent over 75 years of trial and error with many highly skilled craftsmen and staff knowledgeable in fashion...

We continue to be committed to "Made in Japan," which is underpinned by the careful craftsmanship of our artisans and an enduring sense of fashion.

We want to subtly accompany our customers throughout their lives and deliver exceptional products that become lifelong companions.

Even as umbrella craftsmen age and decrease in number, we have deliberately established our own umbrella workshop in Nihonbashi Kayabacho, right in the heart of Tokyo. We intentionally train craftsmen as full-time employees, and two of the seven certified Tokyo Western Umbrella Traditional Craftsmen are employed by us and are involved in manufacturing.

Each component of a finished Western umbrella – the wooden mold, handle, fabric, and ribs –

is carefully selected, and each piece is a unique and exquisite item with its own distinct character.

Craftsmen x Ramuda Staff.

We create our products with the desire to accompany and deliver to the lifestyles of our valued customers.

Ramuda's Dedication and Technology

To ensure long-lasting use of our umbrellas, we use lightweight and durable carbon fiber for the ribs.

Dabo Cover

To prevent rubbing and tearing of the umbrella fabric at the rib joints, a cloth cover is applied to the dabo (joint) of the umbrella, ensuring the ribs and fabric do not come into direct contact.

Rokuro Wrap

To prevent finger injuries from the wire that bundles the runner (rokuro) and ribs, the wire is wrapped with the same fabric and sewn up.

Mouth Closure

The mouth closure, which tends to wrinkle easily, is expertly sewn to attach the ferrule without wrinkles, thanks to skilled sewing techniques.

Handle (Te-moto)

We insist on natural wood for the umbrella handles, using Phyllostachys bambusoides for ladies' umbrellas and ironwood for men's.

Each Phyllostachys bambusoides handle has its own unique knots and burnished marks, while ironwood handles are made from naturally curved branches (with some processing), so the branch knots and thickness vary, ensuring no two are exactly alike. This allows you to enjoy your own original piece. Rokuro wrap. The fabric, which makes the wearer appear gentle, is also one of its charms.UV cut of 90% or more, suitable for all seasons.

Ramuda's Thoughtfulness and Ingenuity

The umbrella fabric is treated with both waterproofing and UV protection, achieving a UV cut rate of over 90%. It can also be used as a parasol.

Umbrella marker using Edo Kumihimo

Although a small marking, we have included a removable umbrella marker this time. It can be attached to the handle, of course, but to allow for flexible positioning, the loop part uses rayon elastic and is adorned with a decorative knot made from Edo Kumihimo (braid).

Awaji Musubi (Ladies')

When both ends are pulled, the knot tightens even further, conveying the wish for "a long and unbroken relationship."

The Craftsman's Message

Umbrella craftsmen meticulously sew and finish each umbrella with great care every day. I am delighted to have been able to participate in the material and design aspects of the umbrella through the support of this product project. I have handled the auspicious patterned fabric, which brings gorgeous happiness, with utmost care and finished it with all my heart as an umbrella craftsman.

Tokyo Western Umbrella Traditional Craftsmen

"Tokyo Western Umbrellas," designated as a traditional craft of Tokyo in 2018, are umbrellas meticulously handmade by traditional craftsmen using traditional methods that have continued for over 100 years since the Meiji era, from fabric cutting to sewing and finishing. Two of the seven certified traditional craftsmen are employed by Ramuda and involved in the manufacturing process.

 After use, we recommend storing the umbrella after air-drying it in the shade overnight.