125g Defies the Notion That 'High-Function Parasols Are Heavy' — Ambel Sets a New Standard for Minimalist Parasols with the 'pentagon HEATBLOCK Instant Pleats™'

With the recent normalization of record-breaking heatwaves and sudden guerrilla rainstorms, the lifestyle of carrying a rain-or-shine folding umbrella daily has become established. For summer outings, a parasol is now indispensable equipment.

However, as high-function parasols increase, new challenges have emerged among urban dwellers.

'Multi-functional parasols are heavy and bulky,' and 'Every time I enter a building or train, it's a hassle to arrange and fold the fabric.' There is a dilemma: prioritizing portability sacrifices functionality, and seeking functionality increases the burden of carrying.

Ambel Co., Ltd. (CEO: Yoshihiro Tsujino / Headquarters: Naka-ku, Nagoya) has directly addressed these challenges and will launch the rain-or-shine lightweight folding umbrella 'pentagon HEATBLOCK Instant Pleats™' from Monday, June 8, 2026. The suggested retail price is 5,940 yen (tax included). Sales will begin on the official online store, and wholesale sales to corporations will also be conducted.

■ Development Background — The Journey of the Lightweight 5-Rib Pioneer 'pentagon' and a New Challenge

'pentagon,' developed by Ambel, has been supported by many users as a pioneer of lightweight 5-rib folding umbrellas, with cumulative series sales of 130,000 units (as of May 2026).

Characterized by a minimalist structure that eliminates waste, it has a track record of driving the weight reduction of portable umbrellas, including developing the series' lightest model at 67g.

However, with the harsh climate change in recent years, it faced new challenges: strong user demand for 'light-blocking and heat-shielding functions' and the problem of 'difficulty in folding' that comes with high functionality.

Fabric that achieves 100% light blocking increases thickness and resilience, making it more troublesome to fold after use. Many shape-memory umbrellas on the market attempted to solve this by attaching PET panels to the fabric, but this compromised the lightweight nature that pentagon values.

'Can we reduce the hassle of folding a high-function parasol while maintaining lightness?' Ambel heeded this voice that many manufacturers had overlooked. It began development to integrate the shape-memory technology 'Instant Pleats™,' which uses no PET panels at all, into a 5-rib frame.

■ Product Features

1. Lightweight 125g — Top-class lightness in its spec range, born from pioneer technology

Because it is something you carry in your bag every day, we focused on lightness and size.
It is designed to minimize weight to the extreme for a 3-stage folding umbrella with a main rib length of 50cm, 100% light blocking, and shape-memory processing.

Applying the unique frame design technology that produced the series' lightest 67g model, the main ribs use lightweight, highly elastic carbon fiber. By leveraging the 5-rib structure, a lightness of approximately 125g including the umbrella bag was achieved. The compact design measures 22cm in height and only 5cm in width when stored. It fits easily into a sling bag or mini bag.

Weight: Approx. 125g (including umbrella bag, *individual variation of ±3g)

Compact design with excellent portability: Height 22cm x Width approx. 5cm

Wind resistance performance: Cleared wind speed of 15m/s (test from 0-degree direction)
*Does not guarantee resistance to inversion from updrafts or gusts.

2. Instant Pleats™ — Shape-memory fabric that reduces storage time by approximately half

The proprietary shape-memory process 'Instant Pleats™' addresses the issue of 'folding umbrellas being a hassle.'

It employs a 'core-sheath structure yarn' combining two types of polyester with different melting points. The inner material memorizes the crease with heat, while the outer material maintains the fabric's firmness. This dual-layer structure is the technical basis for achieving 'easy neatness' without PET panels. Close the umbrella and slide your hand along the guide. With this action, the spread fabric neatly aligns along the original creases.

Reduces storage time by approximately half (*individual results may vary)

100% pleat retention after 500 open/close cycles (verified by third-party testing compliant with JIS standards)

Features a 40mm wide band for easy bundling and a thin hook-and-loop fastener to reduce thickness when folded.

No PET panels used. Achieves both slim and lightweight storage.

3. 100% Light Blocking & Heat Shielding — 'Triple Block' that blocks sunlight at the wavelength level

Despite its lightness, it also offers protective performance to shield the skin from harsh summer sunlight.

Sunlight consists of three wavelengths: ultraviolet rays, visible light, and near-infrared rays. The proprietary rain-or-shine fabric 'HEATBLOCK' blocks all three wavelengths at a high level.

UV Cut Rate 100%: Blocks ultraviolet rays that seriously affect the skin. UPF50+ performance.

Visible Light Cut Rate 100% (Light Blocking Rate 100%): Reduces glare and creates deep shade under the umbrella. The black coating on the inner side of the fabric also absorbs reflected light from the ground.

Near-Infrared Cut Rate 99.9%: Cuts near-infrared rays, the source of the 'scorching heat,' blocking the heat source itself.

Heat Shielding Evidence: Fabric heat shielding rate of 48% to 54% confirmed in tests based on JIS standards. Furthermore, tests using the finished product recorded a heat shielding effect rate of approximately 80% or more (Sunset: 92.2%, Cloud Blue: 82.2%), reducing the burden on the body by blocking sunlight.
*Figures are test results for the fabric and some colors and do not guarantee the complete performance of the entire product.

4. High Waterproof Performance — Initial Water Repellency Grade 5, Water Resistance 12,400mm or more

The surface features initial water repellency Grade 5 processing, and the back side boasts a water resistance of 12,400mm or more, demonstrating high specs as a rain-or-shine umbrella. Environmentally friendly 'PFOA-free water repellent' is used. It can be used with confidence not only in daily rain but also in sudden guerrilla rainstorms.

About the Balance of Lightness and Strength

To achieve a lightness of 125g, pentagon employs an 'ultra-lightweight specialized' design that eliminates waste to the extreme.

Compared to standard umbrellas, the shaft is designed to be slender and may exhibit unique flex when exposed to wind. Also, due to the minimalist 5-rib structure, the ribs may invert in strong winds from specific directions, such as updrafts. However, a flexible structure is adopted that makes the ribs less likely to break even if inversion occurs.

In strong winds, holding the umbrella's tip towards the wind can reduce the load on the frame.
It is necessary to refrain from using it during typhoons or strong building winds for safety, but understanding the tool's characteristics and using it skillfully is key. The light carry experience beyond that is the experience pentagon aims to deliver.

Lightness, for those who choose it.

The parasol that doesn't become baggage, delivered by pentagon HEATBLOCK Instant Pleats™.

Until now, most of the reasons for giving up on high-function parasols were 'weight.'