At certain times throughout the year, Japan feels less like the “land of the rising sun” and more like the kingdom of the constant downpour. Luckily for me, the most popular trend in Rihanna’s accessory of choice is a sweet, clear contraption with a sturdy white handle.
This kind of umbrella helps to lift my spirits when I know I have to brave the rain. I view it as the stylish counterpart to the cheap, uninspired black umbrellas hawked on the streets of Chinatown back in New York. Although equally as affordable (not to mention ubiquitous), this particular variety manages to possess a certain charm. First of all, transparent goes with everything.
Despite what some people may believe, bad weather is not an automatic excuse for tacky accessorization. More importantly, I can still see what is going on around me when I hurry down the sidewalk or jump over curbside puddles. The plastic allows me to look up, from side to side, or straight ahead if I so desire. This is infinitely better than having to focus my attention on the ground ahead of me and the depressing pools of water accumulating everywhere. Instead of wandering about under an opaque eggshell, I basically walk the way I would at any other time.
I especially love to be among a crowd of people carrying clear umbrellas. On hazy mornings, when I find myself surrounded by a sea of shimmering plastic, the scene evokes a kind of drizzly dreamscape. Back home, whenever it rained, I would leave the apartment and feel as though I were partaking in a massive funeral procession. Although I will always prefer balmy weather and clear skies, I have to say that rainy days no longer get me quite so down. Mondays, however, are still a problem.
