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In previous articles, which you can find in our webpage "Staff Blog", we explained some things about "Wa-shitsu" (和室), or a Japanese-style room, where the floor is laid with from woven-rush "Tatami" (畳) mats (see the links at the bottom). The tatami room is designed for "living on the floor" and is a multi-use space to eat, relax/enjoy tea, watch TV, as well as sleep -- therefore, special types of Japanese furniture are used. First, for sitting and having tea, a meal, or just relaxing, flat sitting-cushions/pillows called "Zabuton" (座布団) are used. To provide better back support, an armless/legless chair, called "Za-isu" (座椅子) can be paired with the Zabuton. There is also an interesting seat accessory called "Kyosoku" (脇息) -- a small armrest which can be placed next to the Zabuton. Another essential item is the "Chabu-dai" (ちゃぶ台), which is a small table. The Chabu-dai has short legs and is usually just 30~35 centimeters tall -- so it is perfect for being used while seated on Zabutons. A Chabu-dai often has folding legs, so it, along with the other furniture items, can easily be cleared away and stored in the "Oshi-ire" (押し入れ) closet. Of note, during winter months, there is a cold-weather version of the Chabu-dai, called "Kotatsu" (炬燵), which is a low table, covered with a blanket, and has as electric heating element installed. Be warned though, that once you are seated at the Kotatsu, all warm-and-toasty, you may not want to get up and do things/move. In a future article, we will look at how to use the Wa-shitsu as a bedroom. We hope you will enjoy living in Japan!

written by Goodfield

Wa-Shitsu: https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00030

Tatami: https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00048

Oshi-ire: https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00063