Transparent Umbrellas

100 yen. How durable are they? After few uses, are they still functional?

I remember toting one of those around while I was in Japan when it was raining. It's seems weird to me that almost everyone carries a transparent umbrella. In the states you will be hard pressed to find two people with similar looking umbrellas. I don't dislike the look of them though!

We could use umbrellas like that here. ): Most umbrellas I've had that are of reasonable price break as soon as there's a gust of wind... XD

I wonder if chun has one.........

Some stores seem to jack up the price whenever it is raining and you have no choice but to pay.

I like transparent umbrellas, it's fun watching the rain hit the umbrella and all that but meh that's just me xD

It rains occasionally here as well... But I've got my own dekkai greyish unbrella ready in my care... ^_^

If I left an ambrella for someone to use, it would have been stolen for sure.

they look trend and are cheap...i like them too

For only 100 yen you can't go wrong even if it only last a few times. I wish when I'm caught out in the rain without an umbrella corner stores would sell them for that cheap.

But why would anyone stick one of those up their bottoms?

D:

wha good umbrella for a good price !
the cheap umbrellas over here just die and fall apart after a gust of wind >__>''

I still have one of those - It's been 3 years already - Barely used though. Keep it more like a souvenier

clear umbrellas make walking forward in rainy wind easier as u can see where ur going =)

down side is you can't use it in fine weather to shade against the sun

I like the blue transparent umbrellas too. It is always interesting to see a sea of these umbrellas this time of the year. I'm one of those strange people who always takes an umbrella with me during rainy season. ^^

In japan, always find this kind of umbrellas.
when i go travel, i also buy one back my country ^.^

Twas a rainy month over here as well. Our weather reporter said that it almost broke the record for the rainiest June in history of NY.

i remember there being some kind of similar post about umbrella in dc.com, probably last year around the same season...

Yes, it's been really rainy in NY. Doesn't feel like June. D:

But I've heard so much about these umbrellas haha. I'll make sure to use one one day.

:O

Cant find transparent ones around my place... or maybe im not looking hard enough >_>

I heard an urban legend once about a sword-swallower who swallowed an umbrella that opened up inside him. I imagine putting it one's bottom would give rise to similar problems :p

Around here, a lot of people seem to have black umbrellas. Personally, I can't be bothered to carry one around. I like the idea of leaving cheap umbrellas by the doors, as guys like me tend to find themselves ill prepared and sopping wet fairly often.

i heard they aren't exactly strong, so i don't think it can survive a few monsoon storms here in SG. light rain maybe. still a very unique thing to bring around here.

I don't understand the transparency thing of the umbrellas.

And now I am pondering the idea of making a Yoko cosplay costume out of the very same material. :3

That's such a good idea, but if they tried it here it would end with all the umbrellas stolen, broken and thrown in nearby rivers.

a temporary umbrella? that's new. well for me anyway.

cheap or costly umbrellas here have one thing in common. any wind turns them upside down on the stick so they start collecting rain water instead of channeling it away. rofl. happened to me sometimes and i felt like a walking dodo.
my city is too windy (being near the sea) so rains and wind = you get wet even if you have an umbrella or not.

First time I see this transparent umbrellas was in the Kirai site with a great photographys,.

How about those LED transparent umbrellas, how much do those cost? You know, the ones with a transparent top, and has an LED light for the shaft?

I still have the one I bought 3 years ago in Tokyo and it works fine. Good quality and right price.

umbrellas for 100 yen!? that's mad cheap, can't find them for any less than 8 usd here in NY

Actually they're really not all that durable. They fall apart easily in the wind.

I bought one from Lawson's and it lasted me about 2 minutes and 25 seconds before it was destroyed by the wind as I was heading out :'(.

Sad sad Japan experiences.

100yen and durable definitely a wise choice ^^

Is people sticking umbrellas up their bottoms a big problem? You know what? I think I'd rather not know the answer to that question.

Even if it was the rainy season in Japan I probably wouldn't use an umbrella. Never have used on in my life and I live in one of the rainiest states too. I love rain ^^

Interesting how they leave the umbrellas for others to use.

I've never had one! I don't think they're very common in my neck of the woods. Most of the umbrellas I see are either really brightly/wildly colored, or black.

Hmm... I think I remember reading an article about this before but I can't remember if it was here or on a different site ^^" Still interesting to see again though and cool to know that people leave them for others to use once they're done with it. Although I can imagine how weird it would be if you left your umbrella with the intention of using it again only to find that it has been taken by someone else XD

Looks nice but only costs 100yen? Good stuff. Need to try out durability though.

Is that a folding bike I spot? How useful are those, like when they are folded are they easy to carry around?

cheap AND durable? In same sentence????
wow!

Every umbrella I bought in the last 5 years ended up breaking, or bending out of shape. especially the cute covered in pink music note print one ;_;

I remember one of those in the hands of the lovely miss Scarlett Johansson on Lost in Translation... ^^

Only 100 yen? wow, you would never find something of quality that cheap in the states.

Now that sounds like great quality for a low price...I'd keep it til it breaks..

this is a really nice idea without doubt japan is one of the best countries to live in this world the organisation and ..... how do i call it tidyness (not sure if it's written like that what i mean is the word tidy) they even pay attention to such ``small`` details it's incredible i hope my country could get out of this chaos and start changing towards a future similar to japan's current state ^^ (yeah i know my english is not perfect XD)

HEHE, this is one wacky and probably efficient idea

I already got a really expensive umbrella, so no get for me. I guess if I lose it then I have no choice but to buy one. So what makes transparent umbrella cheaper than normal umbrellas?

I actually would like to have a transparent umbrella or two... but theres none around here - -

I love those transparent umbrellas, going to buy one in Japan and take it back home with me! <3

It hardly ever rains here in LA, and when it does, it's usually pretty light so I never have to use umbrellas.

"as long as you don't stick it up your bottom."
Do you speak from experience? o_O

um why would you stick it up your bottom?

100 yen umbrellas, I like it.

One useful function of transparent umbrellas is that when walking in a very windy storm, you can put the umbrella completely in front of your face to block the blowing rain and not worry about it obstructing your view.

practical!

Wow, that's cheap and nice for a transparent umbrella! Mine is falling apart due to the wind and the stitchings are falling apart, so I probably need to pick one (or a few) of those up when I am in Japan.

Hmm, come to think of it, I think I saw a variation of this where the umbrella comes with a dress so the person inside would appear to be in some sort of rain repelling forcefield...

Transperent umbrellas is also very nice, since you can get them signed my idols too :3
But I prefer my chinese styled umbrella due the sunny season (no rain - it's summer).

Rin be spotted with transparent umbrella. And she seems happy about it. ^^,

Oh! I remember when I was in Akiba in April, it began to rain quite heavily at one point, and as soon as that happened, loads of shops just started selling them xD

That's nice of them to leave for others. I would probably hold onto it though, just so I know I have something to keep me out of the rain.

Transparent also I think, because many of us have to cycle while carrying the umbrella, so the visibility definitely helps, at least for me ! :]

I would love a transparent umbrella! It seems much nicer...

is ok, but how you understand what's yours? ^_^"

I hear those don't last long though =/

100 yen only? Damn... the Asian store around where I live sell those exact same ones for $7 D:

I agree^_^ i took two of them on my japanese travels and i love them so much that i use in Italy too.I never saw them at 100 yen but for 300 yen and 500 yen.The good is..........italian girls loves this kind of unbrella (we haven't in italy this kind of) because can see the rain or snow over her head when falling down^_^

ergh 100 yen !!!

I love that people leave them for others to use, its nice, no one in the UK would do that... even with a cheap umbrella..... ofc our cheap umbrellas cost more than 100 yen usually lol. I'm guessing at least £5, not like 60p... lol

I remember seeing a Japanese inventor make a head to toe umbrella...

What are they called? them inventors that make the most pointless stuff?

thre probably cheap to produce and probably wont ;ast as long as the higher end models.

I like transparent umbrellas, but it costs like $10 in Singapore... lol

What!? 100 yen only?! I have been wanting to have one of these umbrellas for ages, and I thought that its gonna be expensive of something

The funny thing is that they are much more durable than umbrellas usually sold here, for almost 10 times that price (I'm unlucky and they tend to break after a week).

And, if you're willing to spend more than 100 yen, like 300/500 yen (still cheap) I think they will be impossible to break!

transparent umbrellas go in and out of style here, but tend to be hopelessly flimsy knockoffs. you guys are lucky: one coin, and instant sturdy umbrella.

brollies in PH fall into one of two categories: cheap and flimsy vs. expensive and durable. my BF and I prefer getting oversized brollies and try to hang on to them because we paid so much and don't want them stolen.

using that umbrella in sydney will make you a cooler person :P so i didn't mind going through all the trouble through airport checks bringing that from tokyo last year.

i remember the very first time i went to japan with my family when I was a little kid we also got a couple of these lol. Then back in the states, I took it to school one rainy day and just stared up at the sky watching the rain droplets hit the cover... it was kinda mesmerizing lol. Also a little weird cuz I kept flinching like I was afraid the drops were gonna pass right through the umbrella and hit my eye.

That's nice of people, sharing umbrellas like that.

It would be un heard of in the UK lol.
Plus cheap umbrellas here aren't common and a light breath of wind would make it fold back on itself...

So is it an accepted fact that one of these umbrellas left at an entrance is free to take? I could imagine somebody going into a shop or restaurant, leaving their wet umbrella at the entrance, then coming out after their shopping/meal to find them all taken & having to walk home in the rain!

I gave up on umbrellas when I went to university on the west coast of Wales - even expensive "wind-resistant" umbrellas didn't last more than 1 trip up the hill to the campus! I switched to wearing my riding coat & a good leather hat instead - might look a bit weird, but renders me almost completely impermeable!

Whenever it rains you can be sure to see umbrella peddlers in the city here^^;

Heh, I bought this sorta umbrella when I went to japan just three months ago. I left it at the hotel though.

sounds like we are closer to something about tissue paper distribution, danny! ;-)

I saw those in the shops the other day, but not for that cheap ^^;

Wish we have those around...those here cost way too much for such a purpose...that's why avoiding rain is the best way to stay dry...

I had to buy one the day before yesterday, ended up getting caught in the rain. Escaped to the nearest store that sold umbrellas and bought one, although mine went for 300 yen, however it was an L sized umbrella and seems alot more durable then the 100 yen versions

"They are quite durable and can last a long time as long as you don't stick it up your bottom."
What's up with THAT? Who have you been hanging with?

You can get the collapsible ones here at drug stores for about $6.00 CDN. They're not great quality, but they serve in a pinch. I always liked the transparent coloured ones in yellow, red, blue, or orange, etc...

Brollies up the backside sounds like something out of Robo-Geisha. :)

Is there even such thing as cheap umbrellas here in london?? O_o they seem to be so expensive even tho its always raining

Only $1 !? Id love to acquire one of them. They are rather stylish too

They're stylish and cost only 100yen!?! Me wants 1 too.

there's the problem of hygiene though, who knows whose grimy hands have come into contact with those things... i prefer having a nice compact umbrella in my bag at all times...

I had one of these.It was blue and I bought it at a dollar store.Lastred me a few years only broke because my sister threw it.

Wow not a bad price for an umbrella wish I had one. Plus they look so cool being transperant and all.

Ah, I remember these...
I bought one when I was in Japan when it suddenly rained...
Cheap and I used it through the 9 days in Japan...when it rained...
Wish we had something like that here in Canada...

man thats cheap, very cheap

Wow, 100 Yens?? How the manufacturer of the umbrella can produce at these costs?

I remember seeing these EVERYWHERE when I was in Japan during the rainy season.
Do people really leave them for other people to use? Thats so awesome people can be that considerate to each other.

Yeah it's fascinating. It's like Japanese trivia: Why the transparent ones?? - Because they are damn cheap.

Here in Germany the cheapest solution I can think of are available in drug stores for 2.45 Euro (US$3.43) and can withstand light wind!!

a buck an umbrella? That's a steal!

Thats nice of the people to leave for other ^_^

loved the "don't stick it up your bottom" line.

You trying to hint at something Danny?

I always see a ton of these crumbled up and laying about after a windy rain storm. Many times when it rains in Japan it's just too windy to really use an umbrella, but it doesn't stop folks from trying.

Looks like a good idea borrowing umbrellas. The price is right and they don't obscure the vision as much. Umbrellas up the bum?.....I guess each person has their own idea of a good time. lol. My personal preference is black. It better matches what I like to wear. :)

How thoughtful of them who after using it will put it aside and let others to come by to use it again its like umbrella circulating the whole place. Btw, 100 yen for the umbrella is worth it and stylish too.

I love how you cxan leave it anywhere and it will be there next day XD July is the worst month for rain there.

We bought 2 due to the rain when we were in Tokyo last year and brought it back to Singapore. I'm still using it now and it's really worth the 100 yen. Can't find any umbrella this cheap with this quality in Singapore.

I'll take 5! I don't know why, but it just seems like the right number...^^;

Nice, didn't know about people who bought it for temporarily usage will leave it to others to use also~~~~~

100 yen, how is that possible.

I got almost 10 of these umbrella until I have to leave some of them outside and let others to pick up for recycle use during rainy days. ^^;;

I want to buy one of these in the state but they make the price so unreasonable

I doubt inserting one of these brollys into your botty would affect it's durability, but it's not something I'd be keen to try.

I bought one of these from a conveni in Osaka for ¥500, it seems I got ripped off -__-; It was quite durable though. Did it's job well and went in the bin on the way to the airport.

i just keep a raincoat in my car . . . used in on the sailboat and it always keeps me dry

I think they look cute. One of my secret loves is to watch the rain wash over the windshield of my car. It would be almost like with your umbrella. <3

100 yen is cheap! And it look nice too!

When I went to Japan I noticed how there were many people with transparent ones. I always wondered why everybody had the same kind. I guess now I know.

convenient ^^ i wish those are in Canada T__T

Cheap, temporary umbrella sounds ideal... I well remember getting caught out without a brolly at Speed on Tweed a couple of years back. Had to fork out for a commemorative one and got slugged 50 quid.

On the up side I now have a large, durable golf umbrella with old car marques all over it.

can't believe I have to get one of those after reading this XD

can't believe I have to get one of those after reading this XD

100 yen.... cheaper than a bowl of noodle , maybe we will see people holding an umbrella starved to death .

but its way too cheap

malaysia have transparent ones too but expensive.

Interesting... I got two of these in Japan but didn't know you leave them for other people. The transparent umbrella spirit must have made me leave one of them in my hotel room ;) I bought another one and still have it back here in Australia.

Wow I didnt know that!!!!
I just thought they where a popular brand!
So how do you know if is a "community free" kasa or just some who bought a clear kasa cus they like them?

I dont that to get beatten up by a little old lady upset I stole her kasa!!

Up your bum? Danny, that is just... eww....

But other than that, that would be cool if people were like that in the US. Leave an umbrella incase someone else needed it.

I want one, and I will not stick it up my bottom lol.

That's so awesome! Wish I knew they were 100 Yen when I was visiting. Would have picked up one or two. I'm so sick of the dreary black ones here in states.

I've got one!!! I bought it at a hyakuen store 2 years ago and it's still working!

I wish we had something like that here...It rains all the time. Summers a little better and well winter is snows a bit but more often than no you'll need umbrellas here. You can actually buy those transparent umbrellas here at Daiso or Yokoyaya (sp?) but they cost $3-4

there are really so many of them left behind. the staff from a restaurant we had lunch at gave us some umbrellas last year.
i'm living alone and i have 4 umbrellas, ahaha. 3 of them transparent.

Is it me or am I the only one that likes being in the rain?

Of course, not when I've got my gadgets (laptop etc) with me...

Well, I actually love the rain, especially the smell of the wet grass, don't know why but I really love it

And I really want to try one of those transparent umbrella, it's like we can still see the sky even under the rain

100 yen? They're pretty cheap!
There are people here who sell umbrellas on the streets too... almost the same price range but the umbrellas they sell often flip inside out if there are strong gusts of wind or just break easily.

I think those transparent umbrellas are cute~

Danny - we just spent 2 weeks in Japan looking for 100 yen clear umbrellas, and we found them once at hundred yen store. Mostly they were about 400 - 500 yen, and we manged to pick up cheapies for 210 yen in Hiroshima. Where have you been getting yours?