What is an Authentic "Futon"?

The Japanese word futon is now recognized worldwide and is included in English dictionaries as a type of bedding or mattress. In recent years, traditional Japanese futons have regained attention among minimalists, urban dwellers, and health-conscious individuals for their simplicity, space-saving design, and natural comfort.

However, many items that appear when searching for "futon" on the internet today are far from authentic. Instead of traditional Japanese sleeping futons, they are often Western bed mattresses or convertible sofa beds. These differ greatly from traditional Japanese shikibuton (mattress) and kakebuton (duvet), which are crafted specifically to lay on the floor for relaxation and deep sleep.

Whenever we see this, we feel a bit disappointed. The word "futon" has taken on a life of its own, while the true value and understanding of the Japanese futon are often overlooked.

As a manufacturer that has been crafting futons for over 100 years, our core mission is to correctly convey the information about the authentic futons passed down through generations and to transmit their true value and charm to the next generation. Over many years, the futon has been refined as bedding that supports comfort, balance, and mindful living.

Founded over a century ago, Takaokaya continues to uphold this tradition. Using 100% natural cotton filling, we deliver the authentic comfort and craftsmanship nurtured by Japanese futon culture, carefully handcrafted one by one.

We hope this article helps deepen your understanding of authentic futons. Here, we present the history and types of futons in an easy-to-understand way.

The origins of the futon date back to ancient times. Ancient texts such as the Man'yoshu and Nihon Shoki mention the use of tatami, which back then were closer in form to woven straw mats (mushiro).

• Heian Period: Imperial court nobles laid shitone—a cushion-like mat made of silk or fur—on tatami placed over wooden floors or inside micho-dai (canopied sleeping platforms). What they covered themselves with was called fusuma, which were mostly rectangular and made of hemp or silk. Commoners, however, slept on straw mats or dried herbs, covering themselves with either nothing or the clothes they wore during the day.

• Kamakura & Muromachi Periods: Garments with collars and sleeves called yogi appeared, and by the Muromachi period, they were referred to as omote. These were filled with silk floss (mawata) and were essentially slightly thicker versions of daytime clothing. However, these were still reserved for high-ranking nobles.

• Origins of the Word "Futon": The kanji characters for futon (蒲団) were first used in 1255 in Priest Dogen's Shobogenzo. However, the futon referenced in Kamakura and Muromachi literature were small cushion-like pads woven from rush grass leaves (igusa). The term began appearing as sleepwear/bedding in literature from the late 16th to early 17th centuries, expressed as yogi or futon.

• Edo Period: The futon became established, and specialized futon-ya (futon shops) emerged. At the time, futon referred specifically to the shikibuton (under-mattress), while the covering (kakebuton) consisted of yogi or rectangular padded covers. Yogi spread rapidly during the Edo period alongside the widespread cultivation of cotton. In those days, a futon (= shikibuton) was extremely valuable—said to cost 100 ryo for three pieces. They were given as prestigious gifts or targeted by thieves due to their high value.

• Meiji to Showa Periods: Futons resembling those used today began to appear, though pillows were still wooden boxes. Even in the Meiji and Taisho periods, rural farming villages used straw filling, fishing villages used dried seaweed, and many regions used heavy water-resistant paper (shibugami). Over time, cotton, wool, and polyester came into use as filling materials. Down futons (habuton) were used only by a limited upper class during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Domestic production began in the early Showa period, and down futons spread to general households during the rapid economic growth of the 1960s and 70s.

Generally, a fabric casing filled with materials such as cotton, used for sitting or sleeping, is called a "futon." Today, with advancements in manufacturing technology, a wide variety of futons exist tailored to different uses and functions.

1. Kake Futon / Kakebuton (Comforter / Duvet / Top Futon) Used to cover the body, a kake futon requires excellent heat retention, moisture absorption, and breathability, along with a lightweight, smooth texture that allows for easy movement during sleep. Designs include Wa-gake (Japanese style) and Yo-gake (Western style). Today, Yo-gake, where both sides of the fabric are sewn straight together, is mainstream. The traditional Wa-gake used in Takaokaya's Kake futon comforter features a Gakubuchi-jitate (a framed border pattern around the edges), preserving a living tradition of craftsmanship.

2. Hada Kake Futon (Lightweight and Thinner Kake Futon Blanket) This type uses less filling than a standard Kake Futon, making it lighter. It is versatile throughout the year—used on its own during pleasant spring and early summer days, or layered with a main Kake Futon during mid-winter for extra warmth. Takaokaya utilizes highly absorbent, soft-touch gauze and textured crespo fabric (shibo)for these items.

3. Natsu-Kake Futon (Summer Futon Blanket) Designed specifically for hot summer weather, these futons feature minimal filling and light, cool-touch fabrics like seersucker or crinkled linen (asa-chijomi). Takaokaya uses a uniquely textured crespo fabric that minimizes contact with the skin, keeping the duvet crisp, breathable, and comfortable throughout Japan's humid summers.

4. Shiki Futon / Shikibuton (Futon Mattress) Because it supports body weight over many years, a Shiki Futon requires elasticity and durability alongside heat retention and breathability. Proper firmness (support performance) is crucial to maintain proper sleeping posture and facilitate natural turning during sleep. While synthetic blends and wool mixes are common today, Takaokaya remains committed to 100% natural cotton to deliver classic comfort and optimal pressure distribution.