There are various kinds of traditional umbrellas among Japan.
Gifu Wagasa is one of them.
That is a traditional one using
Mino Paper (A Sort of Japanese Paper)
transmitted from a long time ago.
Fujisawa Shoten is one of those who
have produced Gifu Wagasa.
You have to pay five or six figures
for owning the special umbrella.
Why are they so expensive?
There's division of labor on producing the one.
It means they take a lot of personnel expenses
in order to make an umbrella.
Actually, Fujisawa Shoten are making contracts
with several outside artisans.
If an umbrella can work only as the means against the rain,
you should buy a cheap one at convenience stores.
Gifu Wagasa shows traditional beauty and dignity, however.
Inexpensive ones don't give us them at all.
Spirit without any compromise must be the essence of Japan.