The story of how Makita Shoten's umbrellas were born
Makita Shoten was founded as a silk fabric wholesaler in Nishikatsura-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Fuji at the end of the Edo period, and began making umbrellas around 1955.
Makita Shoten's umbrellas are "woven umbrellas."
All of the fabric used in our umbrellas is woven in Yamanashi Prefecture, either at our own factory or at a local partner factory. All processes, from cutting the umbrella fabric to sewing and attaching the metal fittings, are carried out in an integrated manner.
The woven fabric is then subjected to various processes, including waterproofing and water-repellent treatment, and the finished fabric goes through many steps, including cutting, thinning, stitching, attaching strings, saddle stitching, and finishing, to become an umbrella.
Most of the work is done by hand, and each piece is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans.
Jacquard fabrics are woven with delicate and bold patterns.
All of the fabric used for our umbrellas is woven in the Gunnai region of Yamanashi Prefecture, at our own factory or at partner factories in the region. Taking advantage of the characteristics of local textiles, which are woven with thin threads at high density, we are able to weave even intricate designs clearly.
The world's finest umbrellas, created by focusing on the finest materials
Pre-dyed jacquard, which is woven by dyeing the warp and weft threads separately, creates beautiful patterns with the depth and texture that only woven fabrics can offer. Makita Shoten's woven fabric was also used for the umbrella used by Emperor Heisei at the funeral of Emperor Showa.
Ultra-fine threads that create both delicate and bold patterns
Our 140cm wide electronic jacquard is one of a few in Japan, allowing us to freely weave patterns. The textures and colors of each thread are all woven by our in-house textile designers, and our products are supported by top brands around the world.
Post-processing that brings functionality
Umbrella fabric is treated with a waterproof coating to prevent rain from seeping in and water from leaking, as well as a water-repellent finish to repel water. Depending on the purpose of the umbrella, it may also be treated with a UV treatment to block ultraviolet rays or a heat-shielding treatment to reduce the heat of the sun.
Accurate and waste-free cutting
Umbrellas are made by sewing together multiple triangular pieces of fabric called "koma," which are cut using wooden molds. Different wooden molds are used depending on the number of ribs, size, and elasticity of the fabric, and are carefully cut by hand.
A see-through eye that doesn't miss any flaws
The cut links are inspected one by one for flaws in the weave or stains by shining a light from above and from below. Umbrellas are inspected meticulously because they are seen by people from both the outside and the inside when they are opened and used.
The middle stitch that sews the pieces together
The links are sewn together using a special sewing machine that only uses upper thread. By using a machine that only uses upper thread, the seams become stretchy, creating a beautiful silhouette when the umbrella is opened. The sewn fabric is then closed with the tip of the umbrella sewn on.
Each page is carefully saddle-stitched.
The fabric is sewn together with the umbrella ribs using a sewing machine, and each stitch is carefully sewn together to form a single piece. We use a strong, water-repellent thread that is made by doubling up waxed thread and twisting it further.
The finishing touches to create a beautiful umbrella
Once the saddle stitching is complete, each part is attached to the umbrella. Checking the overall balance of materials and colors, such as the ferrule at the tip of the umbrella and the tips attached to the ribs, we finish the umbrella into the shape we envisioned.
Each piece is hand-attached
After all the necessary parts are attached to the umbrella and the fabric is ironed, the handles of each long umbrella are glued together one by one with glue. This is done carefully, ensuring that the fit is neither too loose nor too tight.
Each and every umbrella is made with care and love by many people.
The character for umbrella represents many people gathered on a platform under one roof. Whether it's fabric production or umbrella making, many people are involved, including designers, thread makers, dyeing artisans, weavers, and umbrella craftsmen. Just like the character for "umbrella," a single umbrella is made through the hands of many people.
<Ordering an original umbrella>
[For corporate customers only] Would you like to create your own original umbrella? Makita Shoten is the only factory in Japan with an integrated production line from fabric to finished product.
<Umbrella case study>
Makita Shoten continues to challenge itself with new manufacturing techniques, and is actively involved in collaborative products with other industries and product development projects with students.
<Makita Shoten Official Online Shop>
Click here to see a list of original brand umbrellas and to purchase them. We also regularly update our umbrella-related columns.