The Futon: Sleeping In A Traditional Way

Futon, a traditional Japanese bedding, is one of the most flexible and portable mattresses in the world

. It was originated in Japan, a way back in 1876. The development of Futon can be connected to the geographical limitations of Japan as an island country. Scarcity of space, especially these days due to the increase in population has made Japanese attach priority to the efficient use of space. Futon is the perfect example that shows Japanese's ingenious ways to maximize available space.

A traditional Japanese Futon consists of shikibuton (bed), kakebuton (comforters), and makura (pillow). Shikibuton is a thin mattress stuffed with cotton batting and wrapped in shikifu (sheets). Futon varies in thickness depending on the season it is used. Futon comes in standard sizes with a frame combination that is equal to full size mattress. It can be converted to a place to sit during the day and a bed at night.

Japanese keep the futon in the closet called Oshiire when they don't require it. This is because Japanese live in small houses with not many rooms. It is believed that sleeping on futon is better than sleeping on a soft bed. The hardness of Tatami floors seems to be good for people who have back problems. Tatami flooring is the traditional Japanese flooring made of wood chip boards.

When so much said and believed about this traditional thing, it is important that futon should be taken care of properly. Since Japan is very humid, especially during the rainy season, there are chances that futon will get damaged if kept in the closet all the time. At the same time, it is not advisable to spread it on the floor all the time. It should be sun dried occasionally to prevent mold or kill dust mites. Nowadays, futon dryers are available in the market for the purpose.

Today, western people have also adapted to the Japanese way of lifestyle by sleeping on a futon without ignoring the unique characteristics of it.

by: Chris Cornell

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