“Daruma?” You ask in a quizzical tone. You’ve likely come across the popular iconography in a Japanese home or restaurant. Or perhaps in a movie, manga or anima. But what do they mean and where do they come from? Why are they so special in Japanese culture?
Usually the dolls are small, red and hollow. They might appear to be angry at first glance. But upon deeper inspection they are quite beautiful with detailed meaningful symbols.
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“This is the best sleep I have ever had. I had a back injury when I was in my teens and I often wake up with a stiff back. Firm surfaces help with this and this provides that … but it still has an extreme comfort to it … it is difficult to describe. My back feels great after waking up.”
– Paul
This is a review from our customer, Paul, in the UK. Read the full review here. I promise, this is no sales gimmick. Just words, straight from our customer’s mouth.
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Traditionally, Japanese futons are placed in a room lined with tatami flooring. A family would usually sleep in one room together, each person in their own futon. In the morning, the futons would be stored in a cupboard so the room could be used for eating, hobbies and other activities. Over time, things change. But do they?
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Sakura or cherry blossom season is a magical time of year to visit Japan. Varying by region and weather, the season starts at the end of March and can extend through May. The gorgeous, tiny pink flowers called sakura in Japanese are so popular that they are the unofficial flower of Japan. The arrival of blossoming sakura flowers is celebrated throughout the country with food, music, dancing and camaraderie.
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Japanese futons come with some striking patterns, often filled with very traditional motifs and imagery. Most of our patterns relate to nature and/or the changing of the seasons. A lot of patterns also have symbols of wealth, good fortune, and friendship. All the good things that you want to manifest while you catch your zzzs!
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Shikibuton covers are different to fitted sheets that you would use on a western mattress. They are made specifically to encase the whole futon, rather than just covering the top and sides as a western style fitted sheet (clinging for dear life onto each of its four corners). Our futon covers fully encapsulate your item in a high quality cotton zipper case. Our kakebuton covers also envelope the whole duvet with a cute top window showcasing the gorgeous pattern. Depending on the size, your kakebuton cover might have a mesh covered window which helps to keep the duvet in place while you move around in your futon while sleeping.
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In Japan, the start of the each new year is very important! If you don’t follow us on Instagram yet, please do. We always share photos from behind the scenes in the workshop in Kochi. Last month, we shared a series of photos detailing the end of year and start of the year traditions in the business. Go check it out, please and thank you!
On the last working day of each year, the family drive up the mountain to a shrine to give offerings of snacks and light candles and incense for a positive new year. The views driving up the mountain are jaw dropping. The landscape in Kochi is gorgeous and varied.
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Airing or “sunning” a futon is an important part of using it. As futons are made only from cotton, they need to breathe, air out, and fluff up. The UV rays kill microscopic bugs and allow moisture to dissipate, thereby preventing mildew and mould from growing.
On sunny days in Japan it is common to see futons hanging out of windows and on balcony banisters, secured with plastic clips.
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座 za – sit
布団 futon – cushion (or bed)
Literally: sit cushion. Zabuton is a small futon, used to sit more comfortably on the floor.
The traditional way of sitting called seiza (pronounced: SAY-ee-zah) which translates as “proper sit”) is practiced when you kneel with your legs folded underneath you with your bum resting on your heels. This way of sitting conveys respect and is a healthy way of sitting. Sitting seiza opens your knee and ankle joints, engages your core muscles. It also maintains proper spinal alignment. Because sitting seiza creates a shape that is longer than wide, the zabuton are rectangular, rather than square in shape.
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