Umbrella is A Gift from the sky, please choose it prudently and take good care of it.

There is about 100million pieces of  umbrellas comsumed in Japan each year while Japan population is 200million plus. Almost 70% (70million pieces)of these consumed umbrellas are transparent umbrella while high end umbrellas is about 20% (20million pieces).
Japan's raining season is short and  UV ray problem is not as serious as Singapore, but the consciousness of using high end umbrella is high. 

A) How to choose a reliable & durable umbrella 
*Most of the high quality umbrella are made of excellent materials. For the most important 
  parts, please refer to "About Umbrella".
 
1) Canopy
Checking point : Expose the cover against a light source/sun - defects can readily be seen.

2) Frame/Ribs
Checking point : Check out the material used for frames ,even though aluminium frames are    feather-light, they can  quickly become bent in strong wind or storm. Carbon fibre is best of strenght.

3) Shaft
Tip : Ask for natural or turned wooden shafts,  if not tempered steel or fibregrass. Bear in mind that Shaft is main  support pillar for the whole umbrella.

4) Rivets
Tip : Point that MUST always be checked when buying an umbrella ,look for solid metal joints. 

5) Don't forget to check the Upper & Lower Duomatic whether it's  spring is loosen or extreme tight. 
 

B) Caring an Umbrella:
1) Always open the umbrella up to dry it out until the frame is free of moisture, will bring longer years of umbrella life!
Inadequate drying is the main cause of defective umbrellas' metal parts (eg. Rusty). Keep your umbrella open after used 
 
2) Never spin the opened umbrella, the centrifugal force on the upper end, the ferrule, is enormous.

3) Turn left and right a few times to loosen the canopy before opening an umbrella

4) Flash the umbrella with water pipe to clean off the rain which may content acid.

5) Don't brush your umbrella eventhough it was dirty because you may wash off the Teflon (function as waterproof)
You may use a soft and wet towel to wipe it gentlely.

6) Don't use your umbrella as a stick

7) Don't squeeze your umbrella when retrieve it.

8) Lastly, the MOST importantly, don't use the your lovely umbrella in thunderSTORM .