Lifestyle of Floor Living
Culture and Tradition Deeply Ingrained in Japanese DNA
“Taking off footwear and sitting on the floor inside the house.” This is a lifestyle unique to Japan and this custom is one of the elements that has nurtured an awareness of nature and the four seasons in this country.
Japanese people have long lived on the floor, commonly, on tatami mats. One room can be a dining room, a guest room, or a bedroom. While sofas and chairs can only accommodate a limited number of people, a low table in the middle of the floor allows for flexible seating positions and number of people. Not only can a large number of people can gather around the table but also low tables and furniture also make a room seem larger. To achieve this, it was necessary to minimize furniture and other objects to create a livedin space with a high degree of flexibility and mobility. This is what has nurtured one of Japan’s core philosophies and cultural concept of “simplicity.”
Tatami is made of a plant called igusa (a kind of Japanese rush). The scent of igusa from a new tatami is very refreshing. The delicate sense of savoring the fragrance has also been nurtured by the Japanese people’s lifestyle of sitting on the floor. Also, by sitting on the floor, it lowers the line of one’s sight compared to sitting on a chair. As a result, you can get closer to nature and see things from a different angle, which must be deeply related to the Japanese view of nature.
With the introduction of the Western “kitchen,” living with a dining table and chairs began in Japan. It was not until the end of the 1950s that living with chairs and tables became common. Thereafter, Japanese lifestyles became increasingly Westernized, but despite this, the custom of taking off footwear to enter the house has never changed.
Although the number of traditional Japanese houses has decreased, many houses and apartments retain a Japanesestyle room with tatami mats. The Japanese lifestyle is now a mixture of the chair/table lifestyle and the traditional floor seating. When sitting on tatami, we use a flat cushion called zabuton. A rug or an object to sit on is an essential part of tatami life. Once you have experienced the easy and comfortable feeling of taking off your shoes and sitting on the floor, you may never forget it.
Takaokaya
Artisan-made products to elevate floor living lifestyle with enhanced comfort and vibrancy
Takaokaya started with humble beginnings in 1919, handcrafting traditional Japanese bedding and cushions for a department store in Kyoto. Over the course of 104 years, Takaokaya continues to uphold this time-honored tradition, employing the same age-old techniques, drawing upon the knowledge and skills passed down from generations of craftsmen, to create traditional futon and zabuton with unparalleled comfort.
As the company stepped into the 21st century, it embarked on a journey of innovation, expanding its product range from traditional sleeping and seating items to encompass relaxation solutions. Bearing in mind the company’s mission to “be dedicated in all that we do to bring a smile to everyone’s face”, a new range of products to bring rest and relaxation (Kutsurogi) were introduced.
To mark its 100th anniversary, 3rd generation CEO Koichiro Takaoka, termed Takaokaya products as “Kangu” (寛具) which literally means “tools for relaxation”, to emphasize their inherent purpose. Takaokaya hopes to champion a Kutsurogi movement with their artisanal handcrafted Kangu to spread happiness and the essence of Kutsurogi around the globe.
<KVG> What is unique about Takaokaya products?
<Takaokaya> What makes Takaokaya unique is our unwavering commitment to preserving a cherished tradition of handcrafting futons and zabutons in our very own workshop in the heart of Kyoto. We firmly believe that the exceptional quality and comfort of our products can only be attained through the craftsmanship of our skilled artisans, an essence that cannot be duplicated through automated production methods.
We offer custom-made products to our customers, allowing them to choose their preferred colors, patterns, size, thickness, fillings, and more. Every piece of Kangu is tailored precisely to their preference for the ultimate Kutsurogi experience. It is this customer-centric approach as well as our exquisite craftsmanship that consistently satisfy our customers.
<KVG> What do you think are the charms of Japan’s unique “floor living” lifestyle?
<Takaokaya> The era of Japan’s rapid economic growth sees Western cultures being introduced into our lifestyles. While many Japanese homes start using chairs, sofas and beds, they still maintain Japanese furnishings such as tatami mats, shiki-futon mattresses, kake-futon comforters and zabuton.
There is something alluring about the floor. It could be because as Japanese, the culture and custom of “living on the floor” is deeply rooted in our DNA and the body feels a different kind of relaxation when we are lying down or sitting on the floor.
For foreigners who have visited Japan, or enjoy Japanese anime and manga, they would be acquainted with the zabuton floor cushions and shiki-futon mattress, as these are traditional Japanese furnishings. Also, as people around the world become interested in mindfulness, zazen and meditation have become more popular and people are finding ways to be able to sit more comfortably on the floor while meditating. Embracing the ‘living on the floor’ lifestyle enables people to stay connected to and experience Japan, regardless of where they are.
Whether it’s Shiki-futon mattress, Kake-futon comforters, Ojami cushions, Zabuton cushions, or Meditation pillows, you can create your unique Takaokaya Kangu with custom-order.
<KVG> How do people overseas use Takaokaya products?
<Takaokaya> Since the launch of our global online store 8 years ago, our Kangu is made more available to people overseas. Our top three products are shiki-futon mattress, our iconic Ojami cushions, inspired by Japanese beanbag toy (Otedama) and zabuton cushions.
Many of our international customers love the plushness and fluffiness of the shiki-futon. To rekindle their Japanese experience, some pair their shiki-futon with tatami mats or sunoko bed frames. Others opt to use the shiki-futon as a luxurious mattress topper. Our Ojami and zabuton cushions are versatile, serving as comfortable floor seat cushions or providing excellent backrest support on couches.
We feel that there is really no one fixed way to use our Kangu. What is most important is that people of all ages, young and old, and even family pets, can enjoy a moment of Kutsurogi when they use our Kangu.
242 Kintoyoko-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto (On the north side of Gojo, east of Horikawa); Opening Hours: 9:30-17:30 (closed on Sun, PH, and some Sat); Tel: 075-341-2251; https://takaokaya-kyoto.com; Email: intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp