I'm always interested when people re-think old objects. So when I saw this new shape for an umbrella from Japan, I thought "Cool. I wonder what UX improvement this offers?" The marketing photo featuring a model holding it had me puzzled. We've all been in those drenching sideways storms, is that what this new shape is for? Well, no. As it turns out, this umbrella was shaped…to resemble the energy shields wielded by Mobile Suit Gundams. For those of you that don't know, those are giant mecha suits from what is arguably Japan's most popular anime franchise. Their shields are used to block projectiles and energy beam weapons. Down here on Earth, raindrops is the best we could do.The umbrellas were selling last month in Japan for ¥6,930and are already sold out. #new #umbrella #shape #japan