Gateway to Sustainability in Japan

Environmentally friendly rain gear ideas from Japan to stay stylish and dry

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Are you fed up with getting soaked in the rain? Carrying an umbrella can be a hassle, and traditional rain gear often cramps your style. Japan has come up with stylish and environmentally-friendly solutions that will keep you dry and fashionable. Here are some sustainable rain gear options and a creative Japanese solution to solve your rainy day woes!

Umbrella sharing service by “iKasa”

(Image: PR TIMES)
iKasa is an umbrella-sharing service that started in 2018. In Japan, it’s common to use an umbrella on rainy days. When it suddenly rains, many people buy an affordable umbrella from convenience stores, use it a few times, and then dispose of it. iKasa has been tackling the mass production and consumption of umbrellas.

Using ikasa is simple. To borrow, search for nearby spots where you can borrow an umbrella with the iKasa app. Users can return the borrowed umbrella to any of the spots within the same area. It costs only 280 yen for a monthly subscription, and 110 yen for a 24-hour plan (up to maximum 550 yen per month.)

It’s a win-win situation where you don’t need to carry an umbrella, save money compared to buying one, and reduce environmental impact. Currently, it is only available in 14 out of 47 prefectures, but they have plans for nationwide expansion in the future.

Download iKasa app here.

Innovative rain shoes made by upcycling coffee grounds by “Ccilu”

Ccilu, a Japanese shoe company, specializes in creating lightweight, comfortable, and eco-friendly footwear. Since its establishment in 2011, Ccilu has been globally recognized with 24 prestigious global awards. In 2017, the company proudly received PETA certification, ensuring that all their products are vegan and cruelty-free.

Ccilu offers durable rain shoes made by upcycling coffee grounds. These shoes boast exceptional waterproofing, keeping your feet dry even while traversing 6cm-deep waters on a 10,000-step adventure. Additionally, their unique surface treatment allows dirt to be easily rinsed off with water, making them perfect for outdoor activities. Notably, these shoes can even be cleaned in a washing machine, simplifying maintenance. With their fashionable design, they effortlessly elevate your style, rain or shine.

[Online shop] Ccilu
[Online shop] Rakuten [PR]

Timeless and gender-neutral umbrella made with recycled PET bottles by “U-DAY”

An umbrella brand, U-DAY, creates durable and elegantly simple umbrellas based on a timeless and genderless concept to last for years and be shared with anyone. With a strong emphasis on environmental friendliness, U-DAY offers two sustainable series. First up is the RE:PET series, made from recycled polyester sourced from discarded PET bottles. It boasts vibrant colors which add excitement to rainy days and includes foldable and kids’ umbrellas. The second series, ECO-CLEAR, utilizes vinyl material with a 25% biomass composition derived from sugarcane. Its bicolor design is truly captivating. If you’re searching for stylish and eco-friendly umbrellas, be sure to explore U-DAY.

[Online shop] U-DAY
[Online shop] Rakuten [PR]

Stay stylish and make a better choice for the earth with Japan’s sustainable rain gear options!

Written by
Moe Kamimoto

Her mission is to make the world a better place for everyone since she studied human rights and environmental issues in college. She is especially interested in sustainable fashion and cosmetics, diversity, and gender equality. A nature and animal lover.

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Written by Moe Kamimoto