Ikasa

Ikasa is an umbrella-sharing service that was launched in 2018 in Tokyo. Using Ikasa app, you can borrow an umbrella by simply scanning the QR code at umbrella spots set up in stations, office buildings, and other locations. You can also return an umbrella at any time by selecting one of the many umbrella spots in the city. This system, which makes umbrellas available anytime and anywhere, solves the problems of consumers who do not have an umbrella at hand when they need one, do not want to carry them around, and do not want to buy an umbrella every time it appears.

It is said that about 120 to 130 million umbrellas are consumed annually, and 60 to 70% of 80 million plastic umbrellas are discarded within a year in Japan. Ikasa’s umbrella sharing service not only prevents disposable umbrellas, but also contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions by extending the life of umbrellas through the use of highly durable glass fiber.

Currently, in addition to Yokohama City, umbrella spots are being set up in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as in Kansai, Nagoya, and Fukuoka areas. The service is expanding to a nationwide scale with local and limited design umbrellas in collaboration with other companies.

1.Umbrella Sharing to Reduce the Amount of Umbrella Waste

According to an estimate by Japan Umbrella Promotion Association, there are about 120 to 130 million umbrellas consumed in Japan every year. In addition, it is estimated that about 80 million of those are plastic umbrellas, and many of them are disposed of. By sharing umbrellas with as many people as possible, it can significantly reduce the amount of waste.

2.Extend the lifetime of the umbrellas by making them durable and repairable

Ikasa’s umbrellas are made of fiberglass, which making them very durable. Furthermore, even if one of the umbrella’s bones is broken, the umbrella is repairable because it is designed so that only one bone can be replaceable. The design and the sharing system make its lifetime longer and allow to use of umbrellas continuously. It is highly economically rational, allowing umbrellas to be provided to more users with fewer resources.

3.Stimulating the local economy through the Ikasa spots

By setting up Aikasa Spots throughout local restaurants and public facilities, it is expected people who come to borrow the Ikasa umbrella even on rainy days can be new customers to those places in which own the Ikasa spot. In addition, those cooperating stores with Aikasa Spot can inform consumers of their environmental efforts.