Item: Uniqlo compact umbrella (Dark Grey)
Description: Umbrellas are such a commodity here in Japan. Not only are they reliable during the rainy season month of June, but they're fashionable (everything from the futuristic clear vinyl basic to the Gucci printed extra large ones made of silk). I personally like compact ones that can easily contract and stow inside a briefcase or backpack, and this one has so far been the best. Uniqlo, of course known for clothing, has made a very sturdy and resilient compact here; aluminum rod, fine nylon, and rubberized grip handle. In Japan, one of the highest occurring crimes is umbrella theft (of which I have been a victim), but let's hope this one stays with me for quite some time.
Uniqlo