Makita Shoten
Founded in 1866, Makita Shoten has continued umbrella making in Yamanashi, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, carrying on textile traditions that trace back to the late Edo period. The fabrics used for its umbrellas are woven in Yamanashi — at the company's own mill and at partner mills in the region. Pre-dyed jacquard, created by dyeing warp and weft separately before weaving, brings a distinctive depth and texture that only woven cloth can give. Patterns are woven on a large 140cm-wide electronic jacquard loom — still rare in Japan — and each fabric is finished to suit its purpose with waterproof coating, water-repellent treatment, UV protection, and heat-shielding options. Through the official shop "makita 1866," you can choose long or folding umbrellas for rain or sun by intended use, and also find bags and rain goods made from umbrella cloth, with repair consultation available after purchase.
Why We Love It
Start by enjoying the pre-dyed jacquard pattern from the inside — woven texture shows beautifully in soft light. Next, choose an all-weather umbrella with UV protection or heat-shielding finishes for travel or commuting. For carrying a wet umbrella, pair it with the Umbrella cloth bag or repel. Cover bag to keep your hands tidy. It's also fun to compare rib counts and sizes across series to find the silhouette that suits you. And if anything happens, repair consultation is available, so it can also make a thoughtful gift meant to be used for years.
PROFILE About the Company / Workshop
Founded in 1866, Makita Shoten has inherited textile craftsmanship in Yamanashi, at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The woven fabric used for umbrellas is produced within Yamanashi, and the process is connected in-house from cutting to sewing and fitting hardware. Pre-dyed jacquard — woven after dyeing warp and weft separately — creates patterns with depth and texture, and the company weaves freely on a large 140cm-wide electronic jacquard loom that remains rare in Japan. Makita's woven fabric was also used for the umbrella carried by the Emperor Emeritus at the state funeral ceremony for Emperor Showa.
After weaving, the fabric is finished with waterproof coating and water-repellent treatment, and depending on intended use, UV protection and heat-shielding finishes are added. Umbrella panels are precisely cut with wooden patterns, and each piece is checked under light from above and below to find any weaving flaws or stains. Sewing uses a special machine that works with only the top thread, giving the seam elasticity and refining the silhouette when opened. For inner stitching that attaches the fabric to the ribs, the workshop uses doubled, twisted waxed thread with water-repellent properties.
On the official shop, you can browse women's and men's long umbrellas and folding umbrellas, categorized by use — rain, sun, and all-weather. Series such as "1866," "repel.," "Stig L.," and "kirie" offer a broad range of patterns and functions. There are also entry points by price and gift purpose, making seasonal gifting easier. Bags made from umbrella fabric — such as the Umbrella cloth bag and the repel. Cover bag — extend the lineup and keep rainy-day routines comfortable.
After purchase, repair consultations are accepted for the company's own products. The standard repair period is about three weeks unless special circumstances apply. A parts-based price list is provided, and customers are asked to clearly indicate the repair area. After inspection, the workshop contacts you by email or phone, and payment is by bank transfer or cash on delivery (fees are borne by the customer). Products purchased from other stores cannot be repaired, and some older items may be beyond repair. Shipping from the customer to the workshop is charged one way. For initial defects, repair fees and shipping costs are covered without charge.