It Takes an Average of 11 Seconds to Close and Fold an Umbrella. Introducing the Beltless Umbrella "Shupatto Umbrella" That Reduces a Lifetime Loss of Three Full Days.

Marna Co., Ltd. (Sumida-ku, Tokyo; President: Go Nagoya), a household goods manufacturer, conducted a survey on the use of umbrellas on rainy days targeting 1,084 men and women aged 20 to 59 living in urban areas (Note 1).

The results showed that the average time for a series of actions—closing the umbrella, shaking off water droplets, gathering the wet fabric, and fastening the belt—is approximately 11 seconds (Note 2). Although it's just 11 seconds, when calculated based on Japan's average rainfall and active years, a person spends as much as three full days (72 hours) of their lifetime solely on this "umbrella folding action" (Note 3).

Note 1: Survey overview: Internet survey conducted in May 2026. Preliminary survey targeted those who mainly use trains/buses or walk when going out on rainy days and feel stressed about folding umbrellas. Valid responses: 1,084. Note 2: Average time calculated from response options is approximately 10.8 seconds. Note 3: Calculation method: Annual rainy/snowy days (approx. 100) × 4 openings/closings per day × 60 years × 10.8 seconds per action.

Survey Results Summary

Average time to fold an umbrella is about 11 seconds. Converted to active years in life, it amounts to a time loss of three full days (72 hours).

Stress factors when folding an umbrella: "Hands get soaking wet" (65.2%) and "It's hard to fold when one hand is occupied with luggage or smartphone" (48.0%) topped the list.

Approximately 90% (88.5%) expect life to become more comfortable and improved with an umbrella that can be folded instantly without getting hands wet.

Beltless Folding Umbrella "Shupatto Umbrella"

https://marna.jp/shop/r/rshupattoumbrella/

The survey highlighted the "11 seconds" spent folding an umbrella and the real stress of rainy days—wet hands and occupied hands. To eliminate this stress, the "Shupatto Umbrella" was developed.

The Shupatto Umbrella eliminates the belt with a unique mechanism. When closed, the frame rotates and wraps the fabric inward, allowing it to fold neatly without wetting your hands.

The survey revealed that 88.5% of people said life would be more comfortable with an umbrella that can be folded instantly without wet hands. The Shupatto Umbrella eliminates the "three-day time loss" accumulated over active years and smartly upgrades rainy-day mobility.

Development Background of Shupatto Umbrella

The development was sparked by a scene the president witnessed at a store entrance on a rainy day. While closing his own umbrella, he saw many people in the entrance repeating the cumbersome sequence of closing, touching the wet fabric to fasten it, and putting it in the umbrella cover.

The president's initial suggestion to the product designer was simple: "It would be nice if the umbrella could just scrunch up." How to realize this "scrunch up" ideal? The product designer started by prototyping based on existing umbrellas, embarking on an unknown challenge.

See the development story

Shupatto Umbrella Development Story

Product Overview

Two sizes of rain umbrellas and one UV (sunshade/rain) umbrella are available.

Product name: Shupatto Umbrella 58cm Price (tax included): ¥7,150 Size: Closed approx. 11×87.5cm, Open approx. 102×87.5cm Weight: Approx. 395g

Product name: Shupatto Umbrella 65cm Price (tax included): ¥7,700 Size: Closed approx. 11×92.5cm, Open approx. 111×92.5cm Weight: Approx. 460g

Product name: Shupatto Umbrella UV 55cm Price (tax included): ¥8,800 Size: Closed approx. 11×80cm, Open approx. 95×80cm Weight: Approx. 400g

The ice blue on the right is a web-exclusive color.

Survey Results (Excerpt)

About Marna Co., Ltd.

A household goods manufacturer that plans, manufactures, and sells kitchen, bath, house care, bag, and other products. Founded in 1872 (Meiji 5). Corporate philosophy: "Design for Smile – Life, in a better direction." We stay close to those who live and deliver heart-pounding moments yet to be discovered.

Official website: https://marna.jp Website articles: https://marna.jp/shop/pc/0features/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marna_inc/?hl=ja X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/marna_inc