Futon and bed respectively have different characteristics and benefits. Futon originated in Japan, while bed developed in various regions around the world such as Europe. Let’s explore the differences between them.
Differences in climate and lifestyle influence beddings
The beds are high off the ground, making it easy to get up. On the other hand, you may get injured if you fall off the beds.
While Western beds are high, Japanese futons are only a fraction of the height.
Basically, you sleep on a futon laid on the floor or tatami mats, so it’s unlikely that you get hurt even if you fall off. It’s especially safe for babies and small children.
Beds tend to be placed along walls to free up as much space as possible in the room. On the other hand, futons that are easy to store tend to be placed loosely in the middle of the room. It’s warmer than by the wall, but it also had the meaning of self-defense as there was a possibility that intruders such as ninja would stab the wall with a spear in samurai residences.
There are many differences between futons and beds, but when it comes to coverlets, there is probably no big difference between them. Futons originated in Japan, and most beds are Western-style, so there are differences in the design of how they look. However, they are both made to be lightweight and easy to fold since they serve the same purpose to cover the body comfortably from above.
A futon may be laid on the bed frame instead of a mattress. Products that have both characteristics like this are emerging as well.
Housing situation in Japan
In Japan, it’s a common custom to take off shoes at the entrance before entering a house. Therefore, the floors and tatami mats are kept clean, and you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty even if you lay your futon directly on the floor or tatami mats. Also, traditional houses have spaces under the floors to allow moisture from the ground to escape because Japan has a humid climate. So it’s often slightly elevated. There is an air layer between the ground and the floor, which prevents the cold of the ground from seeping through even if a futon is laid down directly on the floor. The entire floor functions like a Western bed frame.
The floors and tatami mats throughout the house are clean, so you can sit or lie down anywhere. In traditional Japanese society, neither sofas nor beds were not common. Zabuton cushions spread instead of sofas.
It’s said that housing space in Japan is small compared to other countries. Japan’s land is mostly mountainous, and the population is concentrated in cities on flatlands. Since space for housing is limited, futons that can be folded and stored are suitable for modern Japanese homes as well.
Additionally, Japanese architecture, as exemplified by Shinden-zukuri, has a tradition of being open and allowing space design to be adjusted according to purposes. The reason for the open design is to improve ventilation and prevent moisture build-up, and this structure allows the space to be used for multiple purposes. Futons can be spread out for sleeping and folded and stored when not in use, so you can say that they have the characteristics of traditional Japanese architecture.
Housing situation in the World and Futon
Since the Industrial Revolution, urbanisation and the influx of people into cities have accelerated around the world. In overcrowded cities, land prices tend to rise and housing spaces become limited. By introducing futons, you can effectively utilise the same space and have more life options.
What is Futon? Magical and freely foldable bedding
Traditional society background of Japan, where beds didn’t become common
Roots of bed: Existing before humans
Primate beddings: Trial and error over a long time
What is Tatami? Craftsmanship that breathes to this day
Author: Takuya Nagata. Amazon Profile
Follow @nagatackleA novel writer and creator. Graduated from UCA, the UK’s university. Discussed Japanese minimalism in the senior thesis. Founder of “MINIRISM” (minirism), the art movement that contributes to the development of societies, such as ecology and lifestyle. Later opened the knowledge hub “The Minimalist.”
Once travelled to Brazil and trained football at CFZ do Rio (Centro de Futebol Zico Sociedade Esportiva) in Rio de Janeiro. Played soccer for the Urawa Reds (Urawa Red Diamonds), one of the biggest football clubs in Japan, and toured Europe. Retired at a young age and voyaged alone to England. Established careers as a journalist, football coach, consultant, etc. across Europe such as Spain. The founder of “Propulsive Football” (PROBALL), the world’s first-ever competitive mixed football, facilitating diversity and spirit for equal participation in society.
Knowledgeable in creative and technology fields as well. Launched the SPACE Culture & Entertainment hub “The Space-Timer 0.”
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