A Parasol that Lifts Your Spirits Just by Holding It: The 100% UV Blocking Umbrella from "Ashiya Rose Blanc" that Doesn't Compromise on Functionality or Aesthetics

"Ashiya Rose Blanc" offers a variety of UV protection products, including parasols, hats, and arm covers. This brand is characterized by stylish items that prioritize not just functionality but also fashion. In particular, their 100% UV blocking umbrella has become a focal point for many celebrities.

What hidden charms attract people with high aesthetic consciousness? We conducted an interview with Ryo Sakabe of the company to explore these attractions.

The Difference from Cheap Umbrellas Is the “High-Quality Fabric with UV Blocking Treatment”

The parasols by "Ashiya Rose Blanc" achieve 100% UV blocking and UV cut rates. However, many products in the market boast similar features. What differentiates these products?

"Our umbrellas utilize high-quality fabric made in Japan, which has been uniquely processed to create a high-performance UV blocking fabric. Therefore, as long as the fabric does not tear or develop holes, the UV blocking functionality remains intact."

It is possible to maintain the fabric at home, as it can be cleaned with a neutral detergent and gently scrubbed with a soft sponge to remove dirt. The fabric's durability is high, and there are users who have been using the same umbrella for over ten years, which is surprising.

Furthermore, Ryo Sakabe mentioned, "Another point is that our fabric is less prone to wrinkling after folding it up."

"Cheap processed fabrics tend to be relatively thin, making them more susceptible to wrinkles when folded. In contrast, the fabric used by 'Ashiya Rose Blanc' has a moderate thickness, making wrinkles less noticeable. I believe you can enjoy it pleasantly whether it’s folded or opened as an umbrella."

The beauty when the umbrella is opened seems to be one of the unique charms of this brand.

Available in 30 Colors: The Rich Color Variation Is Also Attractive

Choosing a parasol varies from person to person. Some prioritize portability, while others emphasize aesthetic beauty. “'Ashiya Rose Blanc' offers a lineup that caters to both needs,” Sakabe said.

When looking at the products, while many brands have items available in generally 3 to 4 colors, this brand offers some with up to 30 color variations.

"Starting with the representatives, our female employees contribute ideas to conceptualize color variations. The recently launched mint color was made possible through employee suggestions. Until now, we hadn't adopted pastel colors much, so it was a new challenge, but it has received particularly favorable feedback from the younger generation.”

The longstanding support for "Ashiya Rose Blanc" can be attributed to not only its functionality but also the ability to find a stylish design and preferred color in their parasols. What items are particularly popular?

"For those who prioritize compactness, the 3-Stage Folding Umbrella is popular, while those who wish to use it both as a folding umbrella and in an extended state like a long umbrella prefer the 2-Stage Short Umbrella. The 2-Stage Short Umbrella has a rounded shape when opened, not presenting the flat silhouette that is characteristic of folding umbrellas. In a good way, it doesn't convey a 'folding umbrella feel,' leading some customers to mistake it for a long umbrella.”

The Emphasis on Design with Functionality Comes from the Founder’s Vision

Ashiya Rose Blanc has focused on creating products that are not only functional but also exude elegance and sophistication since its inception. The reason behind this approach is the founder's desire to create umbrellas that women can easily handle.

“We started 15 years ago, but at that time, 100% UV-blocking umbrellas were not as prevalent in the market. Moreover, stylish umbrellas adorned with lace or embroidery had little to no UV-blocking functionality and were more of a fashion accessory. The few 100% UV-blocking umbrellas available then often had silver-colored inner surfaces and limited color variations, making their designs far from fashionable. The founder, Oka, contemplated, ‘Wouldn’t this make them difficult for women to carry?’ and thus began developing stylish 100% UV-blocking umbrellas for women.”

The brand's motto for product creation is “to instill a sense of security and to create items that women find beautiful and cute.” It is because the initial vision has been perpetuated unchanged that items combining both functionality and design continue to be born.

A Brand Trusted Through Uncompromising Product Development

At the end of the interview, Sakabe shared insights about the brand's future.

“In recent years, summer heat has become increasingly severe, and while we will continue to prioritize design, we aim to develop items with even higher UV-blocking and heat-reflecting functionalities. We also offer UV-blocking hats for men and children, but our apparel and umbrellas are primarily skewed towards women. In the future, we would like to strengthen our lineup for men and children as well.”

Chieki Oka, the representative of Ashiya Rose Blanc, has connections with individuals who suffer from sun allergy, prompting her to invest effort into product development beyond umbrellas to ensure comfortable living for everyone. Creating 100% UV-blocking clothing and gloves has been challenging due to issues such as breathability and stitching, but they have persevered through trial and error to make it a reality.

Not only from a beauty perspective, but it is evident that they are committed to supporting the lives of all individuals through uncompromising craftsmanship. Sakabe stated, “We want to create a brand that not only makes people think, ‘I want an umbrella,’ but rather ‘I want an Ashiya Rose Blanc umbrella.’”

Participating in department store events is possible because the quality is guaranteed. On March 1, the physical store located within the office in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, reopened after renovation. Why not visit to experience the products' allure firsthand?