They're called "parasols" and they're meant to shade you from the sun.
this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2025
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Why do Japanese people use umbrellas when it’s sunny? Because the sun is fucking hot and painful and shade is good for survival, you morons.
Why do Shinto priests and adherents in the middle of religious ceremonies use umbrellas when it’s sunny? Read the article.
There are stupid questions after all.
Interesting! Would have guessed practical reasons!
Which begs the question, why don't we American's have the common sense to stay out of the sun? I'm in NW Florida and no one carries a parasol. Strange to think about!
We were stuck at railroad crossing in Mississippi last month. Jumped out to see what was going on and talked to an old black man carrying an umbrella and a wet rag around his neck. Only sensible person I saw! Everyone else on the street sweating their asses off.
Anyway, when it's killer hot and there's a chance of getting stuck outside, I wear a boonie hat. Nerdy? Old man gear? Whatever, I pack my own shade.
why don't we American's have the common sense to stay out of the sun?
Parasols used to be a thing in Western culture up to the Victorian Era. Back then, it was a sign of wealth to have pale skin, since it meant that you weren't working outside in the fields. That reversed in the early 20th century when the default work switched from field work to factory work.
From then on, a tan was a sign that you had enough earnings to take time off and do things like go to the beach. Parasols died out around then since the goal of keeping pale switched to getting a tan.
I know all that! :) It's just funny that no one has the sense anymore to carry shade in the summer.
Bruv, I've been wearing one of those hats for years. Could not recommend greater
Weirdly enough, right before I quit Lowe's they gave us all the best one I've ever had: Extra-wide stiff brim, stays flat to block the sun, light crown, detachable neck cord. I want to sew a patch on the Lowe's logo, but it's surprisingly low key as is.
LOL, nobody really wanted theirs so I ended up with 3.
Damn, ya. The detachable back is something I'm looking for in my next hey.
I've got two crappy, gas station hats with the back flap. NICE. Dip it in water and sling it on, good to go.
Guys at work low-key acted like I was a dork for grabbing those hats. "Damn it's hot!" Yeah, not so much for me.
For shade 😎
Now it makes sense why cocktails have little umbrellas! They're summoning spirits!
lmao, nice one.
And finally someone who bothered to actually click through to the article. Otherwise ITT: people who did not.
I'd assume to protect their skin from the sun? Other than than maybe a spiritual reason?
Good guess, you'll find out if you read it.
Jajaja
[laughs in Spanish]
When I was a kid I thought it's pronounced "yayaya" and is more of a celebratory sound than an amused one.
This was about the mental image that went along with it
The sun in Japan is on a whole another level. Even if it's cloudy, even if it's winter, it's easy to get a sunburn. People with sensitive skin need to be especially careful.
What makes Japan special?
The middle of Japan is on roughly the same latitude as South Carolina and north Africa.
As a weeb living in South Carolina, I feel bad for Japan.
Why is that?
Guess because UV levels are higher.
LOL say what?! [citation needed]
Reminds me of Fox News saying solar would never work in Germany because they don't have enough sunlight.
https://www.bfs.de/EN/topics/opt/uv/index/worldwide/worldwide.html
It seems I overestimated the sun in Japan, and it is much rougher elsewhere, closer to the equator.
You inspired me to look up a UV index world map!
The west coast of South America surprised me. And why is Papua New Guinea baking like that?!
The phrase is a whole 'nother level or a whole other level if you're boring.
Day star burn