Futon

A futon (布団) is a traditional Japanese style of bedding.

A complete futon set consists of a mattress (敷き布団, shikibuton, lit. "spreading futon") and a duvet (掛け布団, kakebuton, lit. "covering futon").^[1] Both elements of a futon bedding set are pliable enough to be folded and stored away in a large closet (押入れ, oshiire) during the day. This allows a room to serve as a bedroom at night, but serve other purposes during the day.^[2]

Traditionally, futons are used on tatami, a type of mat used as a flooring material. It also provides a softer base than wooden or stone floors. Futons must be aired regularly to prevent mold from developing, and to keep the futon free of mites. Throughout Japan, futons can commonly be seen hanging over balconies, airing in the sun.^[3] Futon dryers may be used by those unable to hang out their futon.

^ Evans, Toshie M. (1997). A dictionary of Japanese loanwords. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0313287414. OCLC 528863578.
^ Glaskin, Katie; Chenhall, Richard, eds. (2013). Sleep around the world : anthropological perspectives (1st ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-1137315731. OCLC 854835429.
^ Otowa, Rebecca (2010). At home in Japan : a foreign woman's journey of discovery (1st ed.). Tokyo: Tuttle Pub. ISBN 978-1462900008. OCLC 742512720.

[loanwords-1] Evans, Toshie M. (1997). A dictionary of Japanese loanwords. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0313287414. OCLC 528863578.

[2] Glaskin, Katie; Chenhall, Richard, eds. (2013). Sleep around the world : anthropological perspectives (1st ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-1137315731. OCLC 854835429.

[3] Otowa, Rebecca (2010). At home in Japan : a foreign woman's journey of discovery (1st ed.). Tokyo: Tuttle Pub. ISBN 978-1462900008. OCLC 742512720.

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