Japan is a country that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, and this is particularly evident in their unique seating arrangements. From traditional tatami rooms to modern Japanese restaurants, floor seating remains a fundamental part of Japanese culture. In this blog, we explore what
Japanese floor seats are called and how they are used in various settings, from homes to restaurants.
The Traditional Japanese Floor Seat: Zabuton
One of the most common types of Japanese floor seats is called a zabuton. This cushion is typically used in a washitsu (a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats) and is placed directly on the tatami floor for sitting. The zabuton is a square cushion, usually filled with cotton or similar materials, and is often paired with a low table or kotatsu (a heated low table with a quilt draped over it).
In a Japanese home, zabutons are often used when people sit on the floor to eat or entertain guests. You’ll also find zabutons in traditional Japanese restaurants where diners sit on the floor at zashiki (private dining rooms with tatami seating). The zabuton provides comfort while sitting on the hard floor, making it an essential part of Japanese seating arrangements.
What is a Zaisu?
Another popular type of Japanese floor seating is the zaisu, a floor chair with a backrest but no legs. Unlike the zabuton, which is simply a cushion, the zaisu provides extra support for those who are not accustomed to sitting on the floor for long periods. The zaisu is commonly used in tatami seating areas and can be found in both homes and restaurants across Japan.
The zaisu is perfect for people who prefer to sit with their back supported, especially during longer meals or meditation sessions. The chair allows you to maintain comfort while staying low to the ground, making it a staple in both traditional Japanese homes and modern restaurants in Japan.
The Kotatsu: A Cozy and Heated Low Table
In many Japanese homes, especially during the colder months, a kotatsu becomes the centerpiece of the living room. A kotatsu is a low table with a heating element underneath and a thick blanket or quilt known as a futon draped over it. People sit on the floor or on a zaisu chair, with their legs tucked under the heated table, creating a cozy and warm environment.
The kotatsu is especially common during family gatherings and meals, where everyone sits around the table seating arrangement. This traditional piece of furniture is often accompanied by tatami mats and floor cushions, making it a beloved part of Japanese culture.
Tatami and Its Role in Japanese Seating
Speaking of tatami, these woven straw mats are essential in traditional Japanese homes. Tatami floors are commonly found in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, providing a natural and soft surface for floor seating. In Japanese restaurants, you'll often step into a tatami area where you are required to remove your shoes before stepping onto the mats. It's a sign of respect and cleanliness, and you might also find slippers provided at the restaurant entrance.
In high-class restaurants in Japan, you might find a recessed seating arrangement called horigotatsu, where the floor beneath the table is recessed so that diners can sit on the floor with their legs comfortably extended into the space under the table. This seating style blends the traditional practice of sitting on the floor with the comfort of modern dining.
Why Do Japanese People Sit on the Floor?
The practice of sitting on the floor in Japan has deep cultural roots. Traditionally, Japanese homes were designed with low ceilings and small rooms, so sitting on the floor allowed for a more efficient use of space. Moreover, sitting on the floor brings people closer to nature, as tatami mats are made from natural materials.
In Japanese culture, sitting on the floor is also associated with humility and respect, especially in formal settings like tea ceremonies and traditional Japanese restaurants. When you enter a tatami seating area in a restaurant or home, it's customary to remove your shoes, step onto the tatami with care, and sit in a respectful posture like seiza (kneeling and sitting on your heels) or agura (sitting cross-legged).
Floor Seating in Modern Japan
While floor seating is still very much a part of Japanese-style homes and traditional Japanese restaurants, many modern establishments also offer a fusion of Western and Japanese seating options. You’ll often find low chairs without legs or floor couches in homes, which provide comfort while maintaining the aesthetic of low-to-the-ground living. In more casual dining places like family restaurants and yakiniku joints, counter seating and benches are also common.
Whether you're sitting on a zabuton at a Japanese floor chair, using a zaisu with back support, or relaxing under a kotatsu in a cozy home setting, floor seating is a key element of Japanese living. It’s a practice that continues to evolve, blending the old with the new while maintaining the unique charm that is so central to Japanese culture.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to bring the beauty and simplicity of Japanese living into your own home, consider adding traditional floor seating like zabutons or zaisu. These items not only provide comfort but also embody the elegant and minimalist design that Japanese people would appreciate. Whether you're entertaining guests or creating a peaceful corner for relaxation, incorporating Japanese floor seating can transform your space.
Ready to bring authentic Japanese seating into your home? Explore our collection of zabutons, floor chairs, and more at
our shop. Share your favorite Japanese decor ideas or experiences in the comments below!
