Cotton & Materials

Why We Use Cotton

Cotton has been used in Japanese futons for generations.

It has several qualities that make it especially suitable for bedding:

• good breathability
• natural moisture absorption
• flexible support
• comfort close to the body

When properly prepared and layered, cotton can create a sleeping surface that is both supportive and comfortable.

Organic Cotton

We use GOTS-certified organic cotton in many of our futons and bedding products.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is one of the most widely recognized international certifications for organic textiles. It sets strict standards not only for how cotton is grown, but also for how it is processed, ensuring careful environmental and social practices throughout the production chain.

Organic cotton is grown without the routine use of synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, helping to reduce environmental impact and support more responsible farming methods.

Another reason organic cotton works well for traditional futons is the simplicity of the structure itself.

A futon is made by layering natural cotton fibers inside fabric and stitching them into shape. Because of this straightforward construction, the structure relies on the natural properties of the material rather than additional chemical components.

Unlike many modern mattresses, this structure typically does not require materials such as:

• flame retardants
• adhesives or bonding agents
• insecticides
• synthetic chemical treatments

The Importance of Cotton Processing

The feel of a futon is strongly influenced by how the cotton is prepared.

Raw cotton must be carefully opened, loosened, and blended before it can be used for futon making. These steps help create an even layer of fiber that supports the body in a balanced way.

Proper cotton preparation also affects how the futon breathes, how it manages moisture, and how the filling settles over time.

We personally travel to India to select the raw cotton we use, choosing fibers suitable for traditional futon-grade cotton filling. The cotton is then processed in-house, allowing us to prepare and blend it specifically for our futons.

Rather than treating cotton as an invisible filling, we consider it the core element of the futon.

For traditional futon makers, preparing the cotton properly is an essential part of the craft.

Natural Materials We Use

In addition to cotton, we use a range of natural and traditional materials selected for comfort, durability, and their connection to everyday Japanese living.

Each material has its own texture and character, and contributes in a different way to how our products feel and function.

Enshu-weave fabric
[Shizuoka]

Traditional yarn-dyed cotton textile from Shizuoka, Japan.Traditional yarn-dyed cotton textile from Shizuoka, Japan.

A traditional yarn-dyed cotton textile from Shizuoka, Japan.

In Enshu weaving, the threads are dyed before the fabric is woven. This process creates subtle depth and variation in color, giving the fabric a quiet richness that printed textiles cannot easily reproduce.

Linen from Shiga
[Shiga]

Linen is valued for its breathability and moisture control.

It feels fresh against the skin and is especially comfortable during warm or humid seasons. Over time, the fabric develops a natural texture that many people appreciate.

Wazarashi cotton
[Kyoto]

Wazarashi is a traditional cotton fabric produced through a slow washing process in Kyoto.

The fabric is gently refined over several days, resulting in a clean and comfortable texture that works particularly well for bedding.

Kakishibu-dyed fabric
[Kyoto]

Kakishibu is a traditional Japanese dye made from fermented persimmon tannin.

It produces deep, earthy tones and gives fabrics a distinctive character that gradually changes with age.

Igusa rush grass
[Kyushu]

Igusa is the natural rush grass traditionally used to make tatami mats.

The tatami we use are made with thick, durable igusa grown in Kyushu, Japan, a region known for producing some of the highest quality rush grass.

Compared with many mass-produced materials, Kyushu-grown igusa has longer and stronger fibers, creating tatami with greater durability, a richer natural aroma, and a more comfortable texture underfoot.

This quality of igusa contributes not only to the longevity of the tatami, but also to the calm atmosphere that tatami rooms are known for.

Buckwheat Hulls
[Hokkaido / Nagano]

Buckwheat hulls are the outer shells of buckwheat seeds and have long been used in traditional Japanese pillows.

Unlike soft fiber fillings, the hulls create a supportive structure that allows air to circulate easily. This helps reduce heat buildup and keeps the pillow feeling fresh during sleep.

Because the hulls shift and settle naturally, they can also adapt to the shape of the head and neck.

Buckwheat pillows are valued for their breathability, stability, and the distinctive natural texture they provide.

Hinoki wood
[Kochi]

Hinoki, Japanese cypress, is valued for its clean scent and natural beauty.

It has long been used in Japanese homes and is associated with a quiet sense of comfort and relaxation.

Natural Materials and Sleep

Fibers play an important role in how a futon performs during sleep.

Materials such as cotton, linen, igusa, and buckwheat allow air to circulate and help manage moisture naturally. This helps maintain a comfortable sleeping environment throughout the night.

These qualities are one of the reasons traditional Japanese bedding relies on simple natural materials rather than complex synthetic structures.

For bedding used close to the body every night, the character of the materials can make a meaningful difference over time. Many people also appreciate the quiet sense of comfort and groundedness that natural materials can bring to everyday rest.

Explore Our Products

These materials come together in our futons and bedding products.

You can explore our collections here:

• Futon Mattress (Shikifuton) Collection
• Futon Covers
• Tatami