Umbrella Day in Japan Date in the current year: June 11, 2025

Umbrellas have been used in Japan for a long time. The earliest type known was the oil-paper umbrella, made from bamboo and oiled washi paper. This type of umbrella originated in China and was introduced to Japan via Korea during the Asuka period (538–710). Originally used primarily in Buddhist ceremonies, oil-paper umbrellas became more widespread during the Heian period (794–1185). Today, these umbrellas are primarily associated with geisha, traditional Japanese dance, the tea ceremony, and traditional Japanese weddings.

Western-style foldable umbrellas were first introduced to Japan in 1804, but they did not become widespread among the general population until the Meiji Restoration began in 1868. This occurred because Japan rapidly adopted Western ideas, fashions, and industrial production methods during that period.

The Japanese have also made contributions to modern umbrellas. For instance, Mitsuo Sudou invented transparent plastic umbrellas after being inspired by vinyl tablecloths brought to Japan by American soldiers after World War II. He introduced his first plastic umbrella in 1958; it was milky white. The clear umbrella was released in 1964, ahead of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Since then, clear umbrellas have become ubiquitous in Japan due to their aesthetics and affordability.

Umbrella Day was launched in 1989 by the Japan Umbrella Promotion Association (JUPA), an industry organization dedicated to the promotion, awareness, and development of the umbrella industry. It brings together manufacturers, retailers, and other stakeholders involved in the production and sale of umbrellas and related products to improve the quality and safety of Japanese umbrellas.

JUPA chose June 11 as Umbrella Day to mark the start of the East Asian rainy season, known as tsuyu in Japan. Tsuyu is a seasonal weather pattern characterized by consistent rainfall resulting from the collision of moist air masses. It typically occurs from early June to mid-July across most of Japan, excluding the northernmost and southernmost regions.

Umbrella Day was created to raise awareness of the cultural and functional significance of umbrellas, promote proper umbrella usage and etiquette, and highlight the umbrella industry. The day is marked by retail promotions and media campaigns focused on umbrella history and etiquette (how to properly hold an umbrella in a crowd, how to avoid dripping water indoors etc.), umbrella design contests and more.

Although Umbrella Day may seem like a commercial event, it is more than that. Like many other Japanese holidays, it reflects a cultural tendency to give special recognition to everyday objects, emphasizing their importance in the daily lives of millions of Japanese people. Like most similar holidays in Japan, Umbrella Day is not a public holiday.