By Wonsuh Song
37°C, 38°C—these aren’t just numbers on a forecast anymore. In Tokyo, these are the daily highs we endure as the city shatters heat records one by one. Step outside and the world feels like it’s melting around you. Shoes soften, tires feel squishy, and the body—well, it starts to feel like it’s made of ice cream.
In this blistering heat, how do people in Japan cope? One word: parasols. A once rare sight reserved for elderly women, parasols have now become a common summer staple, especially among younger women. And surprisingly—refreshingly—more and more men are now carrying them too.
That’s right. Parasols are no longer a female-only accessory. Businessmen, especially those who still wear jackets and shirts even in the height of summer, have embraced them. With increased awareness of UV exposure and skin damage, more men are using sunscreen and parasols without shame or hesitation. The taboo is fading, and practicality is taking its place.
For those working outdoors, parasol use may be impractical—but not all is lost. Many wear vests or jackets with built-in fans. These padded-looking garments circulate air from the inside, providing portable ventilation in the middle of the sweltering city. You’ll see these fan-powered outfits everywhere—from construction sites to delivery crews.
Personally, I always carry a parasol. And arm covers, too. Arms are one of the most sun-exposed areas, yet are often overlooked. Arm covers provide reliable protection—more effective than sunscreen alone. As for handheld fans? They dry my skin too much, so I prefer the natural shade and breeze under my parasol.
Japan also has a traditional practice called uchimizu, where people splash water on the ground outside their homes to cool the area. Though even tap water now feels warm in the midday sun, the act of sprinkling water still brings a slight, psychological refreshment.
Summer heat spares no one. But how we face it is a matter of choice. Much like the series “K-Pop Demon Hunters”—which might sound cringeworthy at first but turns out to be surprisingly good—parasols for men may seem awkward until you try one. Once you do, it’s hard to go back.
Try it once. Seek the shade. In this urban oven of a summer, a parasol might just be your new best friend.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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