The Bamboo thatBlossoms in Your Hands

Over 400 years ago in the castle town of Kano (加納), samurai crafted umbrellas as side work. With access to Mino washi, strong madake (真竹) bamboo, and the Nagara River (長良川) for transport, the region quickly became Japan's top wagasa‑producing center.

Gifu Wagasa are known for opening like a flower and closing into a slender bamboo silhouette. Each requires over 100 hand processes and the skills of multiple craftsmen.

The process begins by splitting madake into uniform ribs; one bamboo becomes one umbrella for perfect alignment. After boiling, dyeing, and fire‑shaping, the ribs are fitted to an egonoki (エゴノキ) wood rokuro core and tied with cotton thread.

Next comes the most delicate stage: applying Mino washi. Artisans fine‑tune the tension so the paper folds smoothly when closed and stretches evenly when opened. Natural oils are brushed on for waterproofing before the umbrella is dried under the sun. Each rib is then finished with lacquer, and ito‑kagari (糸かがり) threads create glowing geometric patterns.

Today, only a few makers remain, yet the craft continues to evolve as young artisans introduce modern colors and bold, contemporary designs.