By the middle of the Edo period, wagasa were made with such beautiful detail, they quickly became fashion accessories aside from their many other purposes. The umbrella is also an important part of the kabuki, the Japanese tea ceremony, and other cultural aspects of Japanese life.

The oil also makes the wagasa water-resistant and provides perfect protection from UV rays. After World War II, there was a rapid decline in the sales of traditional Japanese umbrellas in favor of western-style umbrellas. This caused the dwindling of the number of craftsmen who practice the ancient technique of making wagasa in today’s world.

Wagasa is different from the western umbrella in several aspects. The wagasa has between 30 and 70 ribs, a lot more than those of the western umbrella (with usually 8 ribs), making it more durable.

A string or a leather handle attached to the wagasa makes it easier to sling onto your upper body. The wagasa can be either halfway or fully opened.