History

ROOTS

SPIRIT

CRAFTS

ROOTS

It Began with Futon

Historically, kimono and futon businesses shared a similar way of operating — both were traditionally made-to-order. It was not uncommon for a kimono store to also sell futons as part of its offerings. At the beginning of the 20th century, leading kimono merchants began expanding their businesses and evolving into department stores. As they grew, they incorporated a wider range of products and services. Soon, instead of ordering items individually in-store, it became common practice to display ready-made products available for immediate purchase. Around the same time, Takaoka Futon Co., Ltd. was founded as a bedding manufacturer for the renowned Kyoto Daimaru department store (now Daimaru Kyoto). From there, we began supplying the people of Kyoto with carefully crafted futons and cushions. In those days, our products were known as Shingu (寝具). The word combines the kanji 寝, meaning “sleep,” and 具, meaning “tool” — literally, “tools for sleep.”

ROOTS

From Shingu to Kangu

Entering the 21st century, traditional Japanese lifestyles began to shift under Western influence. As living spaces, habits, and daily routines evolved, Takaoka Futon Co., Ltd. also reexamined its role and adapted to these changes. We asked ourselves: how can we create products that truly suit modern life while still honoring Japanese sensibilities? From this reflection, the Takaokaya brand was born. While continuing to craft futons and traditional zabutons, Takaokaya moved in a new direction — developing products designed for contemporary Japan, such as Gorone Futons, Shiki Futons, and the iconic Ojami Cushion. From the traditional concept of Shingu (寝具) — “tools for sleep” — Takaokaya evolved toward Kangu (寛具). The kanji 寛 means “relaxation,” and 具 means “tool.” Kangu represents our new product philosophy: tools for relaxation, thoughtfully designed to bring comfort and balance into everyday living.

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SPIRIT

The Origin of Kangu

寛具 (Kangu) is a word created by Takaokaya to express the essence of our philosophy and our products. The kanji 寛 was drawn from the word 寛ぎ（くつろぎ – kutsurogi）, which means “to relax” or “to feel at ease.” It describes the feeling we hope our customers experience when using our products — a gentle sense of comfort that softens everyday life. This idea lies at the heart of Takaokaya. It is the reason we do what we do: to bring comfort, relaxation, and the simple joy that naturally brings a smile. The character 寛 itself carries the meanings of “relaxation” and “generosity,” reflecting both the physical comfort of our products and the warmth of spirit behind them.

SPIRIT

The Origin of Kangu

The kanji 具 is taken from the word 道具（どうぐ – dougu）, which means “tool” or “instrument.” The character 具 itself carries the meaning of a tool or utensil — something that supports daily life. When combined, these characters form the word 寛具 (Kangu), which can be understood as “a tool for relaxation.” To us, this word beautifully expresses the essence of Takaokaya’s creations. Through this philosophy, we hope our customers feel that we are here to help bring smiles to their lives — by creating products that nurture a more relaxed and peaceful environment to surround themselves with.

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CRAFTS

The Importance of Our Craftsmen

The stuffing stage is one of the most crucial parts of our production process. It not only determines the comfort of the finished product, but also ensures that it maintains its structure and integrity through years of use. Our skilled craftsmen work with deep care and responsibility for the longevity of each creation. They carefully adjust the filling by hand, ensuring that every piece remains as comfortable in the future as it is on the day it is made. This attention to detail is especially important in Takaokaya’s ability to create custom-made products. It allows us to faithfully capture every nuance of our customers’ vision and thoughtfully transform it into reality.

CRAFTS

The Skill of Adaptability

During the production process, a traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique is used to create the illusion of an invisible seam. Achieving a beautiful finish requires not only precision, but also the ability to adapt the technique to suit a wide variety of materials. This stitching skill can only be developed through years of experience — handling different fabrics and understanding the unique characteristics of each one.

CRAFTS

Thorough Finishing

At the final stage of the production process, striking the cushion is an essential step. This technique ensures that the cotton filling is evenly distributed throughout. Middle stitches are carefully placed at the center of each cushion to secure the filling in position. It requires precision and a gentle hand to pass the needle repeatedly through the exact same point, moving back and forth through thick layers of cotton. The side tassels are both beautiful and functional. They help prevent the filling from shifting or escaping from the sides of the cushion and are finished with a delicate decorative knot at the end of each tassel.

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