futon

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A Japanese-style futon laid out for sleeping

A western-style futon couch

Futon (布団^?) listen (help·info) is a Japanese term generally referring to the traditional style of Japanese bedding consisting of padded mattresses and quilts pliable enough to be folded and stored away during the day, allowing the room to serve for purposes other than as a bedroom. The bedding set referred to as futon in Japan fundamentally consists of a shikibuton (bottom mattress) and a kakebuton (thick quilted bedcover).^[1] According to Japanese lore, the first futons were said to be crafted by samurais who couldn't master the art of sword play

Futon is a flat mattress with a fabric exterior stuffed with e.g. cotton, wool or synthetic batting that makes up a Japanese bed. They are sold in Japan at speciality stores called futonya as well as at department stores. They are often sold in sets which include the futon mattress (shikibuton), a comforter (kakebuton) or blanket (mōfu), a summer blanket resembling a large towel (taoruketto), and pillow (makura), generally filled with beans, buckwheat chaff or plastic beads.^{[citation needed]} Futons are designed to be placed on tatami flooring, and are traditionally folded away and stored in a closet during the day to allow the tatami to breathe and to allow for flexibility in the use of the room. Futons must be aired in sunlight regularly, especially if not put away during the day. In addition, many Japanese people beat their futons regularly using a special tool, traditionally made from bamboo, resembling a Western carpet beater.

Futon are available in single, semi-double, and double sizes.^[2]

The Western futon is based on the Japanese original, with several major differences. They are almost always placed on a configurable wood or metal frame for dual use as a bed and a chair or couch. Typically, the frame folds in the middle allowing the futon to be used as a couch and flattens to be used as a bed. They are usually filled with foam as well as batting, often in several layers, and they are often much thicker and larger than Japanese futons, resembling a traditional mattress in size. Western-style futons are a cheap alternative to a bed or other furniture, and are often sold in sets that include the mattress and frame. Futons normally feature a removable and replaceable cover, giving them more versatility.

In Japanese, a zabuton (za, sitting + futon) is a cushion for sitting on. The japanese usually sit on these (on the tatami mats) while eating on a small table usually just 30 cm (1 ft) high.

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