What Is a Japanese Futon?

Mattress

• The mattress component of a Japanese futon is called a shikibuton. The mattress has a fabric exterior and is normally filled with balled cotton or wool. The shikibuton is designed to be put on a tatami mat, which is a traditional form of Japanese flooring, made from rice straw and woven rush straw. Shikibutons are between 4 and 9 inches thick. The thinner ones are lighter and more portable, but the thick ones tend to provide more comfort.

Bedding

• The bedding forms the other part of the futon, and gets rolled away with the shikibuton. The main part of the bedding is called a kakebuton, and is a thick quilt. This is sometimes substituted for a mofu, which is a thinner blanket, in warmer months. There is also a traditional pillow for the Japanese futon, called a makura. The makura is filled with buckwheat chaff or beans. Some modern makuras are filled with plastic beads.

Modern Uses

• The futon is a traditional Japanese bed, but times have changed and most residents of Japan sleep in a modern bed with a frame and mattress. However, the futon is still useful in contemporary society. For instance, futons are often used in Japan as guest beds, because when they're not in use, they can be rolled up and stored away. Futons are also useful for those with a small apartment, as you can roll it up for more space in the daytime.

Western Futons

• The Western take on the futon bears some similarity to the Japanese futon, but is more like a futon couch. It is much bulkier, and normally consists of a wooden frame which can be folded to create a base. You then fold the mattress onto this base and it creates a couch. The frame also unfolds to lay flat, then the mattress is placed flat on top of it in order to make a bed.