
Changing the concept of umbrellas. This 172g "long umbrella" will change the scenery of rainy days.
Why do we need ultra-lightweight "long umbrellas" now?
Going out on a rainy day. We unconsciously accept the stress of carrying around a heavy, bulky long umbrella. It gets in the way when the sun shines, you have to be considerate of those around you on the train, and carrying it for long periods of time can tire your wrist... On the other hand, folding umbrellas, while highly portable, come with compromises such as the hassle of opening and closing them and the tendency to get wet. I have been working with umbrellas for over 30 years, and I am convinced that the optimal solution for modern urban life would be to "achieve the comfort of a long umbrella with the lightness of a folding umbrella," so I began developing KALCT.
A "maniac" pursuit of materials and structure over a 30-year career.
My goal was to achieve both a lightness so light you'll forget you're holding it, and a toughness that allows for reliable daily use. To resolve these conflicting elements, I made no compromises in the selection of materials. For the frame, I used carbon fiber, the same material used in aircraft, for the center rod, ribs, and support ribs. Compared to typical metal materials, this material is overwhelmingly lighter yet highly elastic, and I assembled it by adjusting it down to the millimeter. Furthermore, for the fabric, I used lightweight ripstop fabric woven with ultra-fine threads (15 denier) similar to those used in stockings. This is roughly half the weight of typical umbrella fabric, and I have pursued a texture that truly feels like air.
Unprecedented specifications made possible by aircraft materials and ultra-fine threads.
The completed KALCT weighs just 172g. This is about half the weight of a plastic umbrella sold at convenience stores and comparable in weight to a typical ultra-lightweight folding umbrella. We also addressed the drawback of long umbrellas: their bulkiness. While the average long umbrella is 84cm long, the KALCT is 67cm long. By designing it 17cm shorter, we dramatically improved its maneuverability on stairs and on trains. And yet, when opened, it has a diameter of approximately 102cm, providing ample surface area for reliable protection. We've managed to minimize size and weight while maintaining the convenience of a long umbrella.
Lightness is not "weakness." It's true toughness that can withstand strong winds.
To dispel concerns that the product might be too light and therefore prone to breakage, we've devised unique structural innovations. To achieve a wind-resistant design that can withstand winds of up to 15 m/s, we've adopted an "integrated joint" that molds the main ribs and support ribs together from resin. This allows the product to flexibly absorb impacts when the product is blown inside out by the wind, minimizing the risk of breakage. Furthermore, the product features "Easy-Dry," a highly functional water-repellent that allows water droplets to roll off with a simple shake, eliminating the discomfort of bringing the product indoors or attaching it to a bag. Another key feature of our commitment is the use of an environmentally friendly, PFOA-free water-repellent agent.
More than just a tool, it's a partner that helps you remove the burdens of everyday life.
The name KALCT embodies the intuitive desire for a lightweight and compact umbrella. An umbrella is not simply a tool for sheltering from the rain. It should be a device that can lighten the oppressive mood of a rainy day, even if just a little. That is our hope. The moment you pick one up, you will surely think, "Ah, I could carry this with me every day." Come experience this pair of shoes that will fit into your lifestyle and give you more freedom on rainy days.