The traditional Japanese umbrella is entirely composed of natural materials using high-quality washi paper and bamboo. This product is reserved for special occasions such as when wearing kimono and for traditional Japanese performing arts. Our idea was to create an altogether new type of umbrellas for everyday use by introducing robust material into the umbrella's elegant design. While looking to meet these dream-like requirements, we fell upon biomass plastic composed entirely of sugar beets. By combining that new-found material with traditional craftsmanship, Hiyoshiya made a beautiful product with unconventional design.

Each year some 120,000,000 ~ 130,000,000 umbrellas are sold in Japan, who is the highest consumer in the world. About 50 ~60% of them are made of plastic materials of petroleum origins. Our new product « Eco&Design Umbrell » uses the largest possible quantities of natural and ecological materials in order to achieve carbon-free and sustainable productivity. Ryoten was recognized in 2010 by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency as JAPAN BRAND business and in 2011 was designated by the city of Kyoto as a « project to illustrate the stature and influence of products made in Kyoto ».