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Chic canvas carriers let you cut a playfully stylish figure.

Japan’s just about to enter its rainy season, and day after day of gray skies can leave some people feeling pretty blue. So if you need a way to keep your spirits up during such devitalizing times, consider reminding yourself of the mental fortitude of Japan’s warrior class with a bit of samurai-style fashion.

With some chance of rain in Japan on just about any given day over the next few weeks, if you’re stepping out you’ll want to take an umbrella with you. But should the weather hold, or before you head indoors at your destination, you can slide your umbrella into one of these cool carrier bags decorated with an illustrated samurai sword.

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The latest product from historical-themed design company Sengoku, the bags are made from canvas produced in Okayama Prefecture’s Kurashiki City, a town famous for its high-quality textiles, preserved buildings and canal district (plus its “denim ice cream”).

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For the maximum effect, you’ll of course want to make sure you use the bag with an umbrella that has a handle shaped like a katana grip.

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Sengoku also offers plain umbrella bags, for a look that gives up some of its awesomeness in exchange for extra elegance.

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The umbrella bags, called Touken Kasakaban in Japanese, go on sale June 10, and can be purchased from Kurashiki-based retailer Baistone.

Stuck inside hiding from the rain/murderous ninja? Why not see what Casey is up to on Twitter?

Sources: Sengoku, Baistone, PR Times
Images: PR Times
[ Read in Japanese ]