0.03 Mm Coating Technology: Why Chemical Material Manufacturer Komatsu Matere Crafted Its Own Parasol

Chemical material manufacturer Komatsu Matere offers the "Higassan®," a dual-purpose sun and rain parasol that combines an ultra-lightweight design of around 140 grams with superior heat-shielding performance.

Why did a textile supplier take the leap into crafting an end product like an umbrella themselves? Behind this move was a firm determination to showcase their technical expertise to the world and prove the true potential of their materials.

Through interviews with the company's developers and sales representatives, this article unravels the three-year journey of development and the "material manufacturer's pride" woven into every single parasol.

The Parasol as "Gear" Testing the True Power of Materials

With Japan's summer heat growing ever more sweltering, parasols are no longer just for women—they have become a must-have item for people of all genders. In recent years, it has become increasingly common to see men choosing parasols as fashion statements or functional gadgets. One chemical material manufacturer responded swiftly to this market shift: Komatsu Matere, a company whose core business is the manufacturing and sales of textiles.

While the company had long supplied fabrics to numerous umbrella brands, they chose to independently develop and market their own end product—the "Higassan®" parasol. Why did these material professionals venture downstream into finished product manufacturing?

Behind this decision was a strong desire to demonstrate their technological capabilities in the most impactful way possible. Developers explain that they had noticed the potential of the parasol market as practical "gear" for men several years prior.

"In recent years, we noticed that parasols were gaining traction among men as daily necessities and outdoor gear, expanding the market. This inspired us to ask whether we could create a Japanese-made 'parasol as gear'—one that is lightweight, boasts exceptional heat-shielding performance, and can be carried effortlessly by men without hesitation."

A parasol's job isn't just blocking sunlight; it must also handle sudden summer rain with water repellency and waterproofing—making it a true test of versatility. For this reason, developing a finished product was seen as the perfect stage to showcase every bit of technical expertise Komatsu Matere had cultivated over the years.

By successfully selling an in-house branded product, they also establish a proven track record that "Komatsu Matere fabrics sell," strengthening relationships with other umbrella manufacturers. In essence, the Higassan® serves as the company's ultimate calling card to present its technological prowess to the world.

3 Years in Development: Obsession Packed into a 0.03 mm Coating

The standout feature of the Higassan® is its ability to combine outstanding heat-shielding capability with a remarkably light weight of around 140 grams. Typically, enhancing heat and light blockage requires thicker coating layers, which make the fabric heavy and stiff. In contrast, the Higassan® maintains a supple feel while delivering top-tier performance.

The secret lies in its proprietary "ultra-thin heat-shielding coating," which measures a mere 0.03 mm thick. While most standard heat-shielding parasols stack two or three layers of coating to ensure functionality, the Higassan® relies on just a single layer. This paper-thin film efficiently reflects and absorbs solar heat, creating a delightfully cool sanctuary underneath.

At an exhibition booth hosted by Komatsu Matere, holding the umbrella under a light source simulating 55°C solar heat revealed a night-and-day difference. As if a cool shadow had instantly formed overhead, the intense, stinging heat faded away in a flash. It was astonishing to experience the power of a single 0.03 mm ultra-thin film firsthand.

The key to this groundbreaking technology is microscopic aluminum blended into the ultra-thin silver coating resin. How to evenly and densely disperse those mirror-like light-reflecting aluminum particles, fixing them onto the fabric as an ultra-thin film, is where Komatsu Matere's true mastery shines. Testing countless combinations to achieve peak performance took roughly three years—a testament to their unwavering dedication as a material manufacturer.

Proof of Superior Technology: Reliability You Can Count On Long-Term

Even superior technology is meaningless if it reaches the user as a product and cannot withstand daily use. Higassan® thoroughly pursues not just high performance, but also reliability as a "tool."

When you pick it up, you will be surprised all over again by its lightness. Weighing around 140g, it is nearly 100g lighter than the author's smartphone (approx. 240g). But coating technology isn't the only thing behind this lightness.

It uses fabric woven from ultra-fine thread made specifically for umbrellas, and partially incorporates lightweight, flexible carbon fiber for the ribs. While balancing strength and affordability, it maintains a generous 98 cm diameter—easy for anyone to use. When folded, it is a slim 4 cm in diameter, making it effortless to carry in a bag every day.

Supporting the reliability of this umbrella is the coating technology Komatsu Matere has cultivated over many years in harsh outdoor environments. A developer explains the background behind it:

"We have also worked for many years on moisture-permeable waterproof materials used in ski wear and other gear. To put it dramatically, those require specs capable of saving lives. We applied that same know-how—such as making sure the coating doesn't easily peel off—to this parasol."

Have you ever folded up a wet umbrella, only to find the fabric sticking together the next time you open it? This phenomenon is called "blocking," and it is a major cause of coatings peeling off.

Higassan® addresses blocking right from the resin design phase to prevent it from happening. So users can rely on it every day without giving it a second thought. Technology and meticulous care have been poured into unseen details just to support that effortless peace of mind.

From Parasols to Everyday "Coolness": A New Challenge in Thermal Barrier Technology

Komatsu Matere's ambitions don't stop with a single parasol. The insights and technology gained through the development of Higassan® are already setting their sights on the next stage.

"We are exploring whether this thin, lightweight heat-barrier technology can be applied to other items as well," says a sales representative. True to those words, the company is looking beyond parasols to utilize its technology across a broader range of fields.

Higassan® is more than just a high-performance parasol. It is a masterpiece created by the material manufacturer Komatsu Matere with its technical prowess and pride on the line, as well as a prototype pointing toward future possibilities.

How can technology help us comfortably weather extreme heat that grows harsher year after year? We look forward to seeing the innovations toward a "cool lifestyle" that begin with this single black umbrella.