
The Japan Umbrella Promotion Association reckons that the country buys around 120 million umbrellas a year with plastic vinyl models making about half that number. A group worried about the huge numbers which end up in the bin after little use has started up a new project called Shibu Kasa which will offer free umbrella rental in the Shibuya area. Users are then encouraged to return them to participating shops where they will get a credit in the form of "Earth Day Money" which can then be used in the same shops. The credit works out at about 50 yen. Supporters of the project took to the streets yesterday to promote the scheme.