Takaokaya is a producer of hand-made Japanese zabuton cushions and futon in the ancient capital of Kyoto. Our stylish, high quality range of furnishings are designed to harmonize any living space and bring the Japanese art of kutsurogi to your home.
The story of Takaokaya starts in 1919. Having opened itself to the international trade several decades before, Japan was already caught in the grip of Western modernization. At that time, an enterprising young man named Mr. Takaoka, set up a futon workshop in Fushimi in south Kyoto. At that time, futon were commonly sold alongside kimono, and like kimono, were custom-made using fabric selected by the customer.
The 1940’s saw Kyoto’s landscape changing rapidly with the appearance of several major department stores, such as Daimaru and Mitsukoshi, which are still around today. Eager to see some of the action, Mr. Takaoka decided to move the business to its current location, in the heart of Kyoto. Competition was fierce, but soon Takaokaya was supplying ready-made futon to these famous department stores.
Successive generations of the Takaokas have continued to nurture Kyoto craftsmanship that has been cultivated for over 1000 years, creating products that are true to the times and yet draw on the traditions unique to this ancient city.
Mr. Takaoka, Takaokaya’s third generation owner, says “People in Japan, are re-evaluating their lifestyles and what matters most to them. While mass production has brought benefits, something is missing. That is soul. If we use products with soul, then our lives will be made infinitely better!”