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An Umbrella That's Quick & Easy to Open & Close! Discover the World-First Technology Featured in "kowaza" by "estaa"
Have you ever tried to board a train or enter a convenience store, only to find that your umbrella won’t close neatly, and you end up shoving it into your bag all messy? If you’re an umbrella user, chances are you’ve experienced this at least once.
Moonbat Co., Ltd. presents the umbrella brand "estaa" with its compact light-shielding all-weather umbrella "kowaza." This umbrella promises to easily open and close hassle-free, easing that annoyance. Developed as a new addition to the "urawaza" series, it features a world-first shape stability technology for umbrellas.
So, what exactly is this shape stability technology that ensures both compactness and ease of folding? We asked Koji Suzuki from the company.
Exploring the "Shape Stability Technology" Behind Comfortable Umbrella Use
Kowaza inherits the shape stability technology used in the popular Urawaza series, known for its "An umbrella that can be folded in 3 seconds." But what is shape stability technology all about?"Shape stability technology involves using a PET resin sheet on the inner surface of the umbrella as a guide, allowing for instant folding. While umbrellas with 'wrinkle-free processing,' commonly used in shirts, have been on the market, such treatments struggled with durability and wrapping issues under the harsh conditions of folding and getting wet.
"Hence, we pressure-bonded a PET resin sheet about as thick as a clear file folder onto the fabric of Kowaza. This provides a moderate stiffness, maintaining shape unless bent, scratched, or forcibly removed."
There are different types of umbrella bones and fabrics, and each is tailored for easy folding by altering the shape of the PET resin sheet accordingly.
The unique feature of Kowaza is the even more compact size and ease of folding compared to traditional umbrellas.
"To make it more compact, Kowaza has increased folding sections. However, this led to the need for more PET resin sheets, which caused issues of overlapping and becoming bulky when folded. It was a significant challenge during development to maintain folding ease while making it compact. We worked tirelessly, even up to the release, to achieve the perfect balance."
Innovative Multi-Layer Coating Achieves 100% Light & UV Blocking Rate
While the foldability and compactness of Kowaza are prominent advantages, it also excels in the essential umbrella functionality with a 100% light and UV blocking rate."We applied our unique multi-layer coating to 20-denier polyester fabric in Kowaza, achieving 100% light blockage. A single-layer coating allows invisible light to pass through, and excessive coating can damage the fabric. Coating increases fabric thickness, complicating folding. We ensure durability and compactness while reaching 100% light and UV protection."
Special attention is paid to using "20 denier" fabric.
"The PET resin sheet is hard, and using overly thin fabric could result in it being worn down by the sheet. While 15-denier fabrics are used in other lightweight series, 20 denier is optimal for Kowaza with its shape stability technology."
The dedication to functionality in Moonbat's craftsmanship shines through with their meticulous material selection.
Performance in All Weather Conditions
In recent years, more products boasting 100% light-blocking and UV-cut rates have emerged. Moonbat previously labeled items with a "99.99% light-blocking and over 99% UV cut" as first-class, but this year they have raised their internal standards to mark 100% as the highest level."To guarantee 100% evidence, meticulous attention must be given to prevent variability in light-blocking processing (such as coating or lamination). However, we raised the standard to provide more reassurance to our customers.
"In our company, we strictly define that unless test data shows a number of 100, we will not label it as 100%. We have also changed the light-blocking process to a method less prone to variability. We work with processing manufacturers to ensure stable quality."
In the product heat insulation evaluation test for umbrellas, compared to not using a sunshade, there was a temperature difference of about 32.3℃ observed. Using a sunshade makes it feel significantly cooler.
The product is treated with Chemours' water repellent "Teflon," providing excellent water repellency. It can be used confidently on both sunny and rainy days.
"Kowaza is compact and easy to store even in a small bag and works in all weather, making it a useful item year-round. The folding ease offers a level of comfort that is beyond traditional products, so we invite you to experience the smart rolling of the umbrella."
Responding to Inbound Demand
Japanese umbrellas have always been in high demand among inbound travelers, but recently, the sales of sunshades have also been increasing."Due to the intense summer heat, more overseas visitors seem to be considering how to cope with the heat upon visiting Japan. Previously, the sunshade culture was said to exist only in Asia, but with global temperature rises being a concern, sunshades might become widespread as a global item."
At Moonbat, they aim to develop various products catering to climate changes, regardless of whether they are sunshades or rain umbrellas. "We will continue to release items that people can proudly boast about to those around them, so please look forward to it," says Suzuki.
When thinking about daily carrying, the popularity of compact sunshades will likely continue to expand. Anyone looking for a portable all-weather umbrella should definitely check out Kowaza.
PROFILE
Koji Suzuki
Moonbat Co., Ltd. Executive Managing Officer, Strategic Business Department Manager
Joined Moonbat in 1992. Initially assigned to the department handling mufflers, then transferred to the umbrella department. Has been involved in umbrella development for over 20 years. Develops and releases more than three new items every year, with past projects exceeding 50 types.
Text by Rika Okuyama
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