What is Wagasa (Traditional Japanese Umbrella)?
Wagasa is a traditional Japanese umbrella made by attaching Washi paper to a frame crafted from natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and thread. The number of ribs varies depending on the type and purpose requiring many ribs. One of the beauties of wagasa is that it looks like a single piece of bamboo when folded.
There are various types of wagasa, including "Bangasa," "Janomegasa," "Higasa," and "Maigasa." Those treated with vegetable oil on the washi paper attached to the ribs are used as rain umbrellas, with "Bangasa" and "Janomegasa" being the most common types of rain umbrellas.
History of Wagasa
Wagasa was introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhist culture around the 6th century. Initially, they were large umbrellas that could not be opened or closed, used by attendants to shield high-ranking individuals from the sun and ward off evil spirits. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Wagasa was improved and became widely used. Furthermore, daimyos encouraged the production of Wagasa as a local industry, leading to their spread across the country. Replacing the oiled paper of Wagasa became a source of income for many unemployed samurai (ronin).
What is Janomegasa?
Janomegasa, created around the late 17th century, is named for its resemblance to the eye of a snake when opened, with a thick white circle spreading over the base color, such as navy or red. In the mid-Edo period, lighter umbrellas with thinner handles became popular, known as "Hosogasa," which were worn on the waist. Janomegasa, with its slender form, thread decorations in the middle of the ribs, and black lacquered bamboo handle, is a rain umbrella with various colors and patterns. It became fashionable as a prop in Kabuki during the Edo period.
The Janome pattern is an ancient Japanese design believed to ward off evil due to its resemblance to the eye of a divine snake. The wide-spreading shape of the open umbrella symbolizes protection from hardships and a wish for long-lasting happiness, making it a popular item for celebrations and bridal accessories.
What is Bangasa?
Bangasa, a simplified and sturdy version of Janomegasa for commoners, retains its bamboo handle's natural beauty. With thick paper and roughly shaved bamboo ribs coated with perilla oil, it is the most affordable type of umbrella. During sudden showers, large stores would lend these umbrellas to customers, marked with the store's name or a number, giving rise to the name Bangasa. Bangasa's durability and low price made it widely popular among the common people.
Differences Between Bangasa and Janomegasa
Bangasa features a thick and simple frame that highlights the beauty of bamboo, while Janomegasa is characterized by its decorative designs and colorful patterns representing full and crescent moons.
What are Higasa and Maigasa?
Higasa and Maigasa are smaller umbrellas used for stage performances or as sunshades. Unlike Bangasa and Janomegasa, they are not waterproof, allowing you to enjoy the natural color and patterns of the washi paper.
Buy a Wagasa at Sukeroku in Kagurazaka
You can buy wagasa at "Sukeroku" in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku. Founded in 1910, "Sukeroku" is one of the oldest shops in Kagurazaka, selling footwear, bags, Western umbrellas, and more. Customers include not only Geisha but also Noh performers and kabuki actors. Wagasa is also sold in the back of the store. Due to the decrease in demand, the number of Wagasa craftsmen has declined, and the cost of raw materials has risen, making Wagasa priced at around ¥40,000 to 50,000. If you are interested in genuine Wagasa, consider purchasing one.
See Geisha Using Wagasa on Rainy Days in Kagurazaka
Geisha in Kagurazaka use Wagasa on rainy days. Encountering a Geisha with a wagasa in the alleys of Kagurazaka is a charming sight. You can call Geisha at geisha bars and take photos of them holding Wagasa, making for unforgettable memories of your trip to Japan. Rainy days in Kagurazaka, the Geisha district, are not bad at all; in fact, the nighttime scenery on rainy days is my favorite. Please visit Kagurazaka on a rainy day and see a completely different landscape than on sunny days.
Hidden Spot to Borrow Wagasa for Free
Just a 5-minute drive from Kagurazaka, the Japanese garden "Higo Hosokawa Garden" (1-1-22 Mejirodai, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) offers Wagasa rentals for free. You can borrow them at Shoseikaku at the garden's entrance. The Higo Hosokawa Garden is a pond-circuit-style garden, preserved as it was at the Hosokawa family's lower residence, with no entrance fee. Enjoy taking photos with Wagasa in this serene environment.
Visit Tomita Sen Kogei (Dye Crafts) Before or After Higo Hosokawa Garden
A 5-minute walk from Higo Hosokawa Garden, "Tomita Sen Kogei (Tokyo Some Monogatari Museum)" offers dyeing experiences. Create your own Edo Sarasa silk stole or Edo Komon tote bag. Borrow a Wagasa at Higo Hosokawa Garden for a commemorative photo, and then enjoy the dyeing experience at Tomita Sen Kogei to simultaneously experience the traditional culture and crafts of the Edo (1603-1868), Meiji (1868-1912), and Taisho (1912-1926) periods. In Kagurazaka and its surroundings, you can enjoy wagasa in hidden spots, making for a unique and unforgettable trip to Japan.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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