Typhoon

A typhoon is what is also known as a hurricane. Typhoons are quite common here. This season fifteen already. A typhoon starts on the Pacific Ocean and sometimes lands on Japan. It can cause great havoc. A hurricane like Katrina is a typhoon.


In a large area around the typhoon it rains and not in a few tiny drops. Heighdays for umbrella sellers. The wind takes them, creating more turnover.


But why all these pictures of umbrellas? Well, it is indicative for another phenomenon: the Japanese sense for property. Nicking is almost non existing here. So when somebody leaves an umbrella, it will stay there for ages. In typhoon times you will find umbrellas everywhere.


At the coffee vending machine: forgotten to take it. Will probably remain here for days.


Don't questions about management here. Everything is taken care of. Umbrella stands in every room.


Those of transparant plastic are cheapest and most common. Hard to find your own again though.


As nothing is nicked, it is inevitable to bring umbrellas to the lost and found section. There are incredible stories about enormous umbrella stocks at the customer services in department stores.


To avoid leaving your umbrella behind unintentionally, you can take it into the shop. At the entrance you can get a fine cover to prevent dripping. A giant condom indeed.