Beds were hardly seen in ancient Japan. Since the Middle Ages, futons, bedding laid on the floor, have been primarily used in Japan. What contributed to beds not becoming common in traditional Japanese society?
Beds introduced to Japan
The remains of a tree trunk excavated from the Nishitai ruins in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, are thought to have been bed-like bedding.
Beds were introduced from China during the Nara period (710-794). Shoso-in Temple has the bed used by Emperor Shomu. It’s said that during the Heian period (794-1185), aristocrats and court nobles used tatami mats to stack up as beds.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), beds were used at a foreign trading post on Dejima in Nagasaki.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Westernisation was rapidly promoted, and beds were used by wealthy people and foreigners.
Ancient Japan actively adopted the culture and architectural techniques of China, which was an advanced region at the time. In China, beds were made from a wide variety of materials, including wood, straw, grass, cloth and leather.
However, it was not until after World War II that beds became widespread in Japan. In other words, beds were rarely used in traditional Japanese society.
Postwar housing situation
During the period of economic growth following World War II, the population flowed into cities and many apartment complexes such as danchi (public housing complexes) were built. Due to overcrowding and soaring land prices, housing space in Japan is said to be small compared to other countries. Therefore, futons that could be folded and stored were useful.
The Japanese housing situation may be one of the reasons why futons remain very popular even with the spread of Western lifestyles.
It can be thought that futons were more suited to the lifestyle and climate of Japan.
Beds were expensive and may have been out of reach for the majority of ordinary people who couldn’t afford them financially.
In Japan, a futon that is left laid is called a “mannen-doko” and is considered a symbol of neglect and uncleanliness. For this reason, there are a certain number of people who feel resistant to having their beds left laid. Beds usually have a raised frame on which to place the mattress, so they have good ventilation and are thus not inherently unclean, but the old values still persist to some extent.
Current status of beds in Japan
Today, beds are common in Japan, but a certain number of people still use futons. Futons are especially preferred in Japanese-style rooms.
When comparing accommodations, it’s more likely that hotels provide beds, while ryokans (traditional inns) have futons.
Also, younger generations tend to be comfortable with beds while older people tend to prefer futons.
While the mattress on the bed is thick and comfortable, futons, being thinner, can cause stiffness or fatigue if slept on for long periods. To mitigate this, two layers of futons are used sometimes.
Futons are thin and soft, so the big advantage is that they can be folded and put away. Beds cannot be folded or stored unless specially designed.
There are also beds that were developed considering Japanese housing conditions and lifestyles. In addition, rather than choosing between a futon and a bed, products that are a fusion of Japanese and Western styles are now available, with features of both a futon and a bed.
It’s said that approximately 40% of people in Japan still sleep on futons even today, when it’s common to build Western-style houses.
What is the difference between Futon and Bed? Comparison of Japanese and Western beddings
Roots of bed: Existing before humans
What is Futon? Magical and freely foldable bedding
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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