番傘(ばんがさ)

ばんがさ
noun
traditional Japanese umbrella; oiled paper umbrella
1. traditional Japanese paper umbrella
A type of traditional Japanese umbrella made with bamboo and oiled Japanese paper (washi). Used for protection from rain.
時代劇(じだいげき)で番傘(ばんがさ)を差(さ)している場面(ばめん)をよく見(み)る。
You often see scenes with traditional umbrellas in period dramas.
京都(きょうと)のお{土産(みやげ)}に番傘(ばんがさ)を買(か)った。
I bought a traditional umbrella as a Kyoto souvenir.
番傘(ばんがさ)は竹(たけ)と和紙(わし)で作(つく)られている。
Traditional umbrellas are made from bamboo and Japanese paper.

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE ITEM:
番傘(ばんがさ) is a type of traditional Japanese umbrella (和傘(わがさ)) used for rain protection. The name comes from the numbering (番号(ばんごう)) used by umbrella makers.

CONSTRUCTION:

  • Frame: Bamboo (竹(たけ))
  • Canopy: Oiled Japanese paper (油紙(あぶらがみ)/和紙(わし))
  • Handle: Bamboo or wood

TYPES OF JAPANESE UMBRELLAS:

  • 番傘(ばんがさ): Everyday rain umbrella (sturdy, practical)
  • 蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ): Decorative umbrella with bullseye pattern
  • 日傘(ひがさ): Parasol (for sun protection)

MODERN USAGE:

While largely replaced by Western-style umbrellas, 番傘(ばんがさ) are still used:

  • In 茶道(さどう) (tea ceremony)
  • At traditional inns (旅館(りょかん))
  • In festivals and traditional events
  • As decorative items and souvenirs

Related Words

Related: 蛇(じゃ)の目傘(めがさ)
general
Added 2026.1.17 17:48 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06295_bangasa