Why Men in Japan Should Carry a Parasol – A Doctor’s Honest Take on Heat, Health, and Knirps

🌞 Introduction｜“A parasol? For men?” I used to think the same.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “parasol”?

For many men—including myself not long ago—it probably feels like a feminine item, something reserved for women.
As a practicing doctor living in Japan, I used to sweat heavily every morning walking to work in the summer heat. By the time I arrived at the clinic, my shirt was soaked, and I’d need time to cool down before seeing patients.

I kept thinking:

“Surely using a parasol would help… but can a man really do that in public?”

Eventually, the extreme heat got the better of me, and I decided to give it a try.
To my surprise, it changed everything.

▶︎Knirps Official Store (affiliate link)

☀️ Feel awkward using a parasol as a man? You’re not alone.

Let me be honest:
The idea of walking with a parasol as a man in Japan felt like wearing a skirt in public.

But when I asked female friends for their thoughts, they simply replied:
“Why not?”
“It’s great—so much cooler with it!”
“You should totally use one.”

The emotional hesitation I had didn’t seem to register at all.
It made me realize how social pressure often prevents us from making smart, simple choices.

Thankfully, things are slowly changing.
I now occasionally see other men using parasols—especially on train platforms, in parks, or during flower festivals.

🩺 As a doctor, I can say: a parasol is not just a fashion item—it’s a health tool.

Every summer in Japan, I treat people with heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

And guess what? Many of them are healthy, working-age men who simply underestimated the sun.

Using a parasol is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your body:

• Lowers body surface temperature by up to 7°C or more
• Reduces sweating and dehydration risk
• Protects skin from UV exposure and premature aging

As a physician, I believe men in Japan should normalize parasol use—just like hydration and sunscreen.

🌸 Not just for commuting: parasols elevate flower walks and sightseeing in Japan

As the creator of Ikebanadoctor, a blog combining medicine and the beauty of flowers, I often explore gardens across Japan—hydrangeas in Kamakura, roses in Tokyo, or temple trails in Chiba.

These places are stunning in summer. But walking around under direct sunlight can be punishing.

That’s where the parasol made a difference.

With a parasol:

• I could walk longer without feeling drained
• I sweated far less
• I could take better photos and truly enjoy the scenery

So if you enjoy outdoor leisure, festivals, or flower viewing—a parasol isn’t just optional. It’s essential.

🌂 Why I chose Knirps – The legendary German brand reinventing parasols

After researching several brands, I settled on Knirps—a historic German umbrella maker known for inventing the foldable umbrella in 1928.

Their products are durable, elegant, and easy to use, making them ideal even for men hesitant about parasols.

🔹 What makes Knirps stand out?

• Backed by nearly 100 years of history
• 5-year warranty—rare for umbrellas
• One-touch automatic open/close
• Japan-exclusive Safety System to avoid shaft accidents
• Sun + Rain protection in one (many models are UV-coated and water-repellent)

The design is sleek and professional—you won’t feel out of place even in a business suit.

👉 Explore Knirps Japan (in Japanese) (affiliate link)

💻 Feel shy buying in person? Online ordering solves everything

Let’s be honest:
For many men, buying a parasol in a physical store still feels awkward.

That’s why I appreciated being able to browse and order from the Knirps official online store in Japan.

Their site allows you to filter by:

• Weight
• Size
• Automatic vs manual open
• UV protection
• Foldability

▶ See their guide (affiliate link)

How to choose the right umbrella (in Japanese)

🎁 A thoughtful gift for men, too

Knirps umbrellas also make excellent gifts—for Father’s Day, birthdays, or work anniversaries.
They offer gift-wrapping and elegant packaging options as well.

▶ See gift ideas (affiliate link)

See gift ideas

📝 Recommended Knirps Models for Men in Japan

Model	Best For	UV Protection	Open Type	Weight
T.220	All-rounder, durable	✅	Auto	~320g
U.220	Lightweight, slim	✅	Auto	~280g
VISION	Stylish, strong wind resistance	⚪️	Manual	~290g
T.220RS	UV-blocking, best for summer walks	✅	Auto	~320g

🔚 Final thoughts: It’s not about style. It’s about staying well.

It took me years to break the mindset of “parasols are for women.”
Now, I truly believe:

Smart men use parasols. Period.

Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or visiting gardens—your body deserves protection from Japan’s intense summer.

So go ahead. Try one.
You might be surprised how much cooler, cleaner, and more enjoyable your outdoor life becomes.

Stay safe. Stay cool. Carry a parasol.

▶︎Knirps Official Store (affiliate link)