Wagasa (Japanese Paper Umbrellas)

Around 1955, there were about 200 stores lined up that were dedicated to the art of making Japanese paper umbrellas, or “Wagasa,” in Mima Town.  Today, 2 of the shops still exist.  The masters of this traditional art contruct the frame from bamboo, apply Japanese paper dyed with indigo (Aizome), then oil it and apply various decorations, finishing it with a coat of lacquer.  Each artisan’s technique shows through, resulting in a unique display of elegance when opened into the air.