Announcement of new product "Komorebi" using patented technology from academia and government collaboration @ Yatsugatake Club

Makita Shoten Co., Ltd. (Head office: Nishikatsura-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, CEO: Norio Makita, Website: https://www.makita-1866.jp/ ) has developed a new product, "Komorebi," an umbrella suitable for both sun and rain, which features a pattern of sunlight filtering through the trees in a natural gradation, using a jacquard weaving manufacturing method jointly developed by the Yamanashi Prefectural Industrial Technology Center and Yamanashi University. To commemorate the launch, the company will be exhibiting and selling the product at the Yatsugatake Club ( http://www.yatsugatake-club.com/ ), which is surrounded by beautiful fresh greenery.

*About "Komorebi" "Komorebi" is inspired by the image of sunlight filtering through the trees in a forest, and is a jacquard woven design that depicts the light and shadow of sunlight filtering through the trees onto an umbrella. Regular jacquard weaving uses designs with clear outlines, but it was not possible with conventional techniques to express the smooth gradation of the shadows of sunlight filtering through the trees, as in this product.
However, by utilizing cutting-edge technology in jacquard weaving, which is our specialty, we were able to create a design that is drawn entirely with gradations, resulting in an umbrella with a design that makes it seem as if you are walking through sunlight filtering through the trees.

*Technology used in "Komorebi"The new technology used in "Komorebi" is a manufacturing method that uses patented jacquard weaving technology jointly developed by the Yamanashi Prefectural Industrial Technology Center and Yamanashi University, and image processing technology specialized for textiles, to beautifully express gradual and natural gradations.By utilizing this technology and using a loom equipped by Makita Shoten that can freely weave large woven patterns, we were able to reproduce the beautiful subtle shadows of sunlight filtering through the trees on the textile.

*"Komorebi" and Yamanashi Forest The design of "Komorebi" is based on the image of strolling through the woods of Yamanashi, a region rich in nature.
One of the reasons for the creation of this umbrella was a request from Yagyu Munesuke, the president of Yatsugatake Club, whose events we have been exhibiting at for the past two years, who said, "I want an umbrella that expresses the atmosphere of the Yatsugatake Club," and the image of the beautiful woodland that spreads out at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake.

Due to this connection, we have decided to announce, exhibit and sell "Komorebi" with the cooperation of Yatsugatake Club as follows.

*The Yatsugatake Club was opened in 1989 by actor and TV personality Hiroshi Yagyu and his family, who moved to Yatsugatake in 1976. They created a grove of trees with their own hands, and the club has a gallery showcasing artists, a stage, and is famous for the fruit tea made by Mrs. Yagyu. People from all over Japan visit the club to enjoy the nature of Yatsugatake (birds and plants), cuisine, cafes, design, art, and more.

[Yamanashi Prefecture and Yamanashi University announce new umbrella for both sun and rain, "Komorebi," using patented technology]

Dates: May 15th (Tue) - May 22nd (Tue), 2018
Time: 10:00-19:00 (until 17:00 on the last day)
Venue: Yatsugatake Club 8240-2594 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, 409-1501
Item: "Komorebi" dyed jacquard umbrella for both sunny and rainy days
Specifications: 50cm slide short rib, UV protection Pattern: 2 patterns (beech, maple) 4 color combinations per pattern Price: 13,000 yen (excluding tax)
*In addition to the new product "Komorebi," other products from Makita Shoten will also be available.
*Research representatives from the prefecture and university will also be present at the exhibition and sales event from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Tuesday, May 15th, to respond to interviews.