The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

Recently I found myself spending much of my shopping time in Shintencho shopping arcade, where old, family-run shops are still thriving.

The other day, I bought an umbrella at one of the stores there and was given a short lecture on how to choose and handle your umbrella. The followings are some extracts from the lesson I have learnt.

1.    If you prefer wind-resistant umbrellas, go for ones with ribs and stretchers made from carbon glass rather than metals, as the former is more flexible and therefore resilient against wind.

2.    Umbrellas have much less price gaps than other consumer products. A 20,000-yen umbrellas is the Mercedes of umbrellas, one that the Imperial family members use (no evidence, though), and it should last forever. You don’t need to buy another if you buy it (the problem is, umbrellas are supposed to be left in umbrella stands in front of supermarkets—which is like leaving a Porsche unlocked on street, don't you think so?)

3.    If you have to face a strong wind, it is advisable to close your umbrellas slightly, which reduces the tension on the ribs and impact of the wind that the umbrella has to take.

4.    Open/close your umbrella and turn up/down the end at the same time—it is a gesture that makes you look elegant (regardless of your gender).

5.    The more ribs it has, the stronger an umbrella becomes. If you don’t mind the weight, go for 16 ribs instead of usual 8.

6.    When you buy an umbrella, do a “fitting”. There must be an umbrella that meets your style and needs in terms of size/colour/weight/function.

7.    Always give a hand to your automatic opening system, so that the impact on the rims can be reduced and the umbrella lasts longer.