The Higashi-Nihonbashi area is a 20-minute walk from HOTEL RESOL STAY AKIHABARA. The neighboring Yokoyama-cho and Bakuro-cho retain the atmosphere of a wholesale district that has existed since the Edo period. A quiet and peaceful streetscape unfolds, and in one corner of it is the umbrella specialty shop "Komiya Shoten".

The relationship between umbrellas and daily life, woven together in the wholesale district.

In 1919 (Taisho 8), the founder, Hosho Komiya, moved to Tokyo from Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and began his apprenticeship as an umbrella maker, which marked the beginning of "Komiya Shoten."

After 11 years of training, in 1930 (Showa 5), he started a business manufacturing and wholesaling umbrellas in Nihonbashi Hamacho. Although logistics were limited at the time, Mr. Komiya leveraged his connections with textile manufacturers in his hometown of Yamanashi to produce umbrellas using "Koshu-ori," a traditional pre-dyed textile from Yamanashi.

During the Taisho era, the dominant type of umbrella was the "bangasa," made of bamboo frames covered with washi paper, while Western-style umbrellas were considered luxury items owned by the upper class. The turning point came after the war, when, with the Westernization of lifestyles, Western-style umbrellas became commonplace in the lives of ordinary people.

"As Japan entered a period of rapid economic growth, department stores began displaying a wide variety of umbrellas with elaborate designs, and umbrella sales skyrocketed. A division of labor system was established in the umbrella manufacturing process, with craftsmen, wholesalers, and retailers each playing their respective roles, and the Japanese umbrella industry achieved remarkable development," said President and CEO Hiroyuki Komiya, describing the situation at the time.

Creating umbrellas with meticulous attention to detail to bring joy to the user.

Komiya Shoten's umbrellas carry on the techniques of "Tokyo Western-style umbrellas," which are designated as a traditional craft of Tokyo. One of the things they value most in their production process is "the beauty of the shape." The "mold" is a crucial point in creating a beautiful umbrella shape. Using a triangular wooden mold, they carefully cut the fabric, making precise adjustments to the length and angle down to the millimeter.

"We've incorporated various ingenious features into the process of fixing the fabric to the frame and attaching the handle, all to ensure that the umbrella can be cherished for a long time. It's because we put our heart into every detail that we believe you'll be able to appreciate the quality of the umbrella, from the sound it makes when you open it to the feel of it in your hand."

Rain or shine. Umbrellas that can be used every day are popular.

Currently, stores sell a variety of umbrellas, from series that showcase the beauty of traditional "Koshu-ori" textiles to umbrellas made with functional water-repellent fabrics. Recently, "all-weather umbrellas" that can be used in both rainy and sunny weather have become popular, and it seems that more and more people are prioritizing the function of an umbrella as a parasol. Umbrellas with a black laminated lining that specialize in UV protection and offer high light-blocking effects are also attracting attention.

One of the characteristics of umbrellas from "Komiya Shoten" is that many customers cherish and use them for decades or more after purchase. They also have a well-established after-sales service system in place, including repairs for loose threads and frame issues, so you can rest assured. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of overseas tourists purchasing umbrellas as practical souvenirs.

"We have customers from all over the world, including the United States, Russia, and Europe, and we've noticed that many of them buy parasols to use when they return home. Some of them come from countries where using umbrellas isn't a common practice, so we teach them the basics of folding and handling umbrellas in our store," says Komiya.

Aiming to create umbrellas that are an integral part of many people's daily lives.

At Komiya Shoten, in addition to artisans certified as traditional craftspeople, young artisans are steadily being trained to carry on their skills. Recently, with the growing interest in SDGs, the value of "using good quality items for a long time" is being conveyed to the younger generation, and a change is occurring in the type of customers who visit the store.
  
"Umbrellas are often chosen as gifts because they are considered auspicious items, symbolizing 'ever-increasing prosperity.' We sell umbrellas in a variety of designs and colors in our store, and we want to propose their appeal as a part of everyday fashion. We want to continue to pass on the quality of handmade umbrellas to the next generation, while cherishing our relationships with the people who handle the essential parts of umbrella making."
 
From the Taisho era to the Reiwa era, the skills of umbrella craftsmen have been passed down through the ages. Komiya Shoten will continue to be in this place, committed to the "beautiful shapes" and "comfortable usability" that come from handcrafted work, and will continue to spread the charm of umbrellas.

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Komiya Shoten

電話：03-6206-2970 
住所：東京都中央区東日本橋3-9-7 
アクセス：都営浅草線東日本橋駅から徒歩3分 
HP：https://www.komiyakasa.jp 
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/komiya_kasa1930_official/ 
            https://www.facebook.com/p/小宮商店-100086605424751/  

*Please check the link above for business hours and regular closing days.