slippers and futon 下駄と布団 (kanazawahakkei, japan)

Posted by timothy sullivan (Tokyo, Japan) on 27 August 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture and Portfolio.

ah, sleep. and tatami!
most americans (and perhaps westerners in general), i believe, are unaccustomed to sleeping on the floor--and for many westerners who stay in Japan, that first night spent on a “real” futon is quite an experience.
The majority of Japanese homes and apartments have a wood floor (or at least faux wood), and at least one room with tatami flooring. Tatami itself is quite a remarkable material--woven straw-like reeds form a pile approximately 2" thick, providing cool breathability in summer and enough "support with give" that sleeping on the floor doesn't kill the back too much.
New tatami mats are celadonish in color and have a delectably fresh grassy smell; over time the color fades in light to leave a bright golden color and are naturally treated to repel insects.

vfxy Photoblogs | Listed on Photoblogs.org