From viral hit to real product with the help of fans online!
When the illustration above turned into a hit online last year, we suspect the artist maruco never really expected to see it turn into a real product. But a cool idea is a cool idea, regardless of its source, so it was really only a matter of time before the “blooming” umbrella became a thing you could buy!
▼ Next step will be getting the dress in stores too!
The illustration eventually caught the eye of a staff member at Wakutsuku!, a company that helps turn people’s ideas into actual products. We imagine for someone like that this design is impossible to resist — and based on the images they’ve added to their crowdfunding campaign, we have a feeling this will be a huge success.
▼ YUUUUGE!
As you can see above, when opened up, the umbrella looks like a beautiful Japanese morning glory blossom! Even better is the umbrella case, pictured below, that you can get with it…it turns your folded up blossom into a bud just waiting to bloom.
▼ We can’t decide which form we like best!
Heck, you could also just get the case and use it with any old umbrella you have lying around, though it probably won’t be nearly as much fun to open it up that way.
The umbrella is currently pending completion of its Campfire crowdfunding campaign. They’re nearly 2/3 of the way done with more than 34 days left, though, so we have a feeling they’ll finish without any problem. You can get in on the umbrella action here, but only if you live in Japan or have someone who can help you. Sadly, Campfire does not allow people living overseas to back campaigns. That said, you might be able to use a reshipping service to help you if you’re really desperate. The cases are available for 1,500 yen (about US$14) and a set with the umbrella and case is 4,700 yen (about $44).
▼ We have to say, it is a very pretty umbrella!
And if you can’t get involved in the crowdfunding campaign, we imagine they’ll eventually release the umbrellas in retail. But until then, you can sooth your aching heart watching Mr. Sato try on this crazy outfit he found in Harajuku!
References: Campfire
Featured image: Pixiv/maruco
Images: Campfire
[ Read in Japanese ]
Awesome Air Umbrella from China keeps you dry with blasts of air
New “rolling” umbrella with wheels lets you take it for a stroll on rainy days
What time is it? Time for a Cardcaptor Sakura watch, and an umbrella too, while you’re at it!
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
Plan to use historic stones to build restrooms for the 2025 Expo draws criticism
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Japanese vending machine find introduces us to a new drink you can’t get anywhere else
Super! Eel Bread takes Japanese sushi into uncharted territory
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
7-Eleven Japan releases their second lineup of upsized foods from a muffin to bukkake soba
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
New bar coming to Tokyo lets you melt and roast your drinks from baby bottles or lightbulbs