Guest Article - Laying out and folding a Japanese Futon
Futon, literally meaning a mattress or a
blanket, is a Japanese bed popular all over the world for the comfort it
provides. Japanese are famous for being meticulous; so, it should not come as a
surprise that this invention of theirs is not as simple as it appears to be.
When we think of a bed, we think of a piece of furniture that is used for
sleeping and except for the design, we mostly are concerned about the sleep
that our bed would provide. A Japanese Futon in the same regard, is a well
thought invention the purpose of which is to provide a sound and peaceful
sleep.
Components
of a Futon:
Those of you who don’t know what a Futon is
or how it looks, here’s an overview of a Japanese Futon or a traditional
Futon mattress. Apparently, it is a low slung bed that might just also
appear as a plain mattress lying on a floor. However, it is composed of
different components. Traditionally, the Futon is supposed to be folded. According
to the Japanese culture, the bed should never be left spread out during the
day. So, if you are visiting Japan and you are to sleep on a Futon, you have to
fold it before leaving the room.
There are three Components of a Futon:
· Shiki futon: These are traditional Japanese mattresses.
They are thin and usually range from 2-5 inches in thickness. A shiki futon is
the reason why Japanese Futons provide an extremely comfortable sleep. Unlike
foams and spring mattresses, shiki futons are organic i.e. they are made of
100% pure cotton. Many companies might add synthetic material to make its
manufacture cheaper, but ideally authentic shiki futon must be made entirely
out of cotton. In countries other than Japan, shiki futons are quite expensive
and come wrapped in sheets with a variety of colors and materials.
· Kakebuton: This is the comforter that is
laid on top of the shikifuton. The material and thickness of kakbebuton may
vary but typically it is made of hand pulled silk and is extremely thin and
light weight. The silk Kakebuton is ideal for winters as it provides enough
warmth without being heavy or bulky. No matter, which material a Kakebuton is
made from, it is supposed to be light weight and thin.
· Makura: It is a traditional Futon pillow
that is completely different from the pillows we are accustomed to. It is
typically made of buckwheat hull or beans. This means that is a hard pillow
that might not appeal to many people. The idea behind this it to provide an
appropriate elevation of the head and neck.
The
laying and folding of Futon:
As said, the main difference in a futon and
other beds is the difference of care routine. It is important to lay the futon
out and fold it back. It is essential for all the components of Futon to be
placed correctly otherwise it will not serve its purpose. To lay down a futon
here’s what you need to do:
1.
Place the wooden frame (if
you’re using one) to put the Shiki futon. Mostly, Japan is commonly in habit of
using Tatami
mats, a yoga like mat that is laid out before a futon. The height of the
frame may vary, depending upon the use of futon as a bed or sofa bed.
2.
Next is the futon.
3.
A sheet is then placed on top of the shiki
futon. This is called the futon cover which also ranges in colors and designs.
4.
The sheet must be like a pillow
case i.e. the entire mattress must fit into it.
5.
Next place the kakebuton on top
of the traditional Japanese futon
6.
At last, place the pillow and
you are good to go!
Here’s how you will fold the Futon:
1. First, fold the kakebuton. Fold
into a half and then a quarter. But, remember to never touch the underside with
the outer side; fold it in one direction.
2. Now, fold the mattress, shiki
futon, in the similar fashion as you’ll fold the comforter.
3. Once you are done folding the
mattress and the comforter, make a stack of it and place a pillow on top of it.
Many people have different opinions about
Japanese futons: some find it most comforting while some find in uncomfortable.
But, essentially when you get used to it and adjust with makura, a futon can be
an ideal bed in for you
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