The term futon has entered into American parlance in reference to a low, convertible sofa / bed frame cushioned by a single mattress pad--usually inexpensive and the favored location for many a late-night college hangout or hookup. This Western conception of futon has proved so popular, in fact, that it has been the subject of much consternation on my part, since the identically-named item that I have been searching for is sadly much less popular in this country. I've been getting in touch with my inner fob lately, so I can elaborate: In Japan, futon (or more specifically, shikibuton) refers to a sleeping pad, often stuffed with cotton, with a removable covering--not unlike a comforter and duvet cover, except the stuffing material is rather denser, slightly less pliable, and heavier. Such pads are used directly on the floor, often on tatami mats, and are rolled or folded up and stored during the day. They provide a firm but incongruously cushy sleep experience, and after becoming acquainted with them during my stays in japanese ryokan (traditional-style inns), I became hooked. In any case, the situation of general semantic confusion has made it very difficult to find a vendor of japanese futon, let alone a top-quality purveyor.
This was until my friend Tom spent a long time searching on Yelp, and managed to stumble on this relatively unreviewed, externally nondescript LA gem (as so many of them are). The show itself is a spacious showroom filled with all the appointments one might need to create an authentic wa-shitsu--a traditional japanese room commonly found in many japanese houses, much as a living room would be found in American homes--including handmade tatami mats, lanterns, antique imported furnishings, and artwork.
However, on this trip, we were there for the bedding. When buying futon, you have a number of options. First, one has to decide what kind of sleeping experience one would like--for a softer experience, one can purchase a foam mat and a single shikibuton to place on top. The foam mats come in two grades of softness--firm and extra firm. Another, more expensive option is to purchase two shikibuton and to stack them on top of another, and to place them on the floor (perhaps over a sheet or unrolled bamboo mat, for protection). One might instead opt for the even more authentic experience of placing the futon upon Sleep Exquisite's custom-made tatami mat platforms. This, naturally, is quite pricey.
One then has the option of choosing for the futon slip covers a number of fabrics, which come in a variety of japanese-style prints. There is a selection of over a hundred fabrics at various price points, which depend on the material (silk, polyester, or cotton) and whether the fabric was imported or domestic). Some are machine-washable, and some are dry-clean only. I took more than an hour and a half to decide on the two fabrics I used for my two shikibuton, and the proprietor was VERY patient and helpful. The covers are all handmade to order, and the turnaround was just a week for us.
Finally, one can then opt for a number of extras--one can purchase a kakebuton (which basically refers to a comforter and duvet cover), with its own customized pair of fabrics for the border and the body. Also, matching pillows are often bought.
For my two shikibuton, I opted for a beautiful gray-blue thatch and an inky blue fabric with an intricate gray pattern, with a matching cylindrical pillow. They are gorgeous, comfortable, and I couldn't be happier. Since I couldn't stay away from the incredibly attractive imported fabrics, the combination set me back a tad over eight hundred dollars for a single-sized sleeping arrangement. It's easier to sleep with a much slimmer wallet in my back pocket, anyway. I've never slept better, and my back has thanked me for it. read more