A gentleman’s plastic umbrella that would even suit James Bond

“Once upon a time, one-touch opening plastic umbrellas had a cheap impression. So we wanted to make something that you could use with a formal suit, and that wouldn’t look out of place being held by James Bond.”

　So says Tsukasa Sudo, the 10th generation of White Rose, who developed the world’s first plastic umbrella 60 years ago. The stylish “MI7” was born in 2021, with support from crowdfunding. The first thing that catches the eye is the luxurious use of natural wood. White birch is used in the central pole, and camellia in the handle, and as you continue to use it you will enjoy the familiarity in your hands as it ages.

　Originally, White Rose manufactured umbrellas that focused on functionality, as distinct from cheap, disposable plastic umbrellas. For example, their patented “reverse valve” structure. This is a valve at the opening of the plastic fabric which lets the wind pass through from the inside while preventing rain from entering from the outside. This makes these umbrellas popular because they are not easily turned inside out even in strong winds. Its strong and durable glass fiber frame also fends off the wind by allowing it to bend.

The handle is also of a size and weight determined to balance the weight of the umbrella, so as not to strain your hand when holding it. There is also attention paid to materials that improve safety by allowing visibility, given the major feature of plastic umbrellas of “transparency,” and a special three-ply film is used which has excellent water repellency when wet.

These functions are included in almost all White Rose umbrellas, including the MI7, and every part of the umbrellas are well manufactured so that they can be repaired, making them “not only a tool to protect people from rain and snow falling from the sky, but something that people will love and use for a long time.” Mr. Sudo gives it his stamp of approval that it should last more than 10 years if taken care of and kept in good repair.

“In Japan, we have had a culture of no waste, and repairing and taking care of things since the Edo period. And today, from the perspective of SDGs, we want to contribute to sustainable consumption and production, as well as environmental development, without compromising our manufacturing.”