Why do Japanese people sleep on the floor? You won't believe the answer!

If you have a friend who has been to Japan or has some knowledge about Japanese customs, you may know that the Japanese often sleep on the floor. This practice is so longstanding that it has its own name: “Floor Culture” or “Tatami Culture” in Japan.

Reasons Why Japanese People Prefer Sleeping on the Floor

For Safety
Due to Space Constraints
Due to a Thousand-Year History
For Health Benefits

Why do they choose to sleep on the floor?

While most people are accustomed to sleeping on a cozy mattress in a bed, the Japanese rarely use beds. Here are some reasons why they prefer sleeping on the floor.

For Safety

First and foremost, due to Japan’s geographical location. Japan is a small island nation situated at the intersection of two major tectonic plates, making it prone to earthquakes with a relatively high frequency.

According to JRAILPASS, Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes each year. The country is home to 10% of the world’s active volcanoes. Living in such a precarious position means that they must be well-prepared for any potential situations.

To respond quickly to earthquakes, sleeping on the floor allows them to sense tremors more acutely and rapidly find a safer location. This practice also helps prevent falling out of bed or colliding with furniture, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Moreover, with fewer items in the house, they can escape more quickly during an earthquake.

Due to Space Constraints

The second reason is the high population density in Japanese cities. This explains the prevalence of small apartments in urban areas. Most Japanese homes tend to be compact, so they easily convert their living rooms into sleeping areas with just a futon.

Furthermore, they now have various heating systems and other devices installed under the floor, so even in winter, they do not feel cold and remain comfortable.

A traditional Japanese room.

Not only is the land limited, but Japanese homes are typically quite low. If they used beds, a standing adult could easily touch the ceiling. Due to this spatial limitation, the people of Japan have had to adapt to maintain a satisfactory quality of life.

Japan is a place of limited land and high population, which is why sleeping on tatami mats is a space-saving and minimalist solution.

Due to a Thousand-Year History

The next reason relates to history. In ancient times, beds appeared during the Tang Dynasty in China and were imported from abroad (prior to that, the Chinese also slept on the floor). During the Song Dynasty, beds became so common that every family owned one. When Japan adopted this practice from China, they began to use beds as well.

However, even though some Japanese families later adopted beds, the majority returned to sleeping on the floor because they found it more comfortable. Furthermore, the culture of sleeping on the floor has been present in Japan for thousands of years.

For Health Benefits

The Japanese do not only sleep on wooden floors (which helps relieve back and neck pain and allows for complete relaxation), but they also use tatami mats that have a long history.

The Japanese tatami mat.

Tatami mats are made from tightly woven dry straw to enhance elasticity and provide comfort. Historically, tatami has existed since the 8th century. Therefore, a traditional Japanese room cannot be without tatami mats.

The Japanese believe that sleeping on a mattress, while initially comfortable, can lead to uneven pressure on the bones and cause the spine to bend and back pain over time. Sleeping on tatami mats, which have a relatively firm structure, is beneficial for bone development and helps keep the spine straight.

Buckwheat pillows, or sobakawa, are filled with buckwheat husks. They not only provide excellent support for your head and neck but also enhance airflow, preventing moisture buildup and promoting a cooler sleeping environment, making it easier to enjoy a good night’s sleep.