Our Story

A Japanese futon, made the way it has been for five generations

OFUTON KOBO has been making futons in Japan since 1873. What began as a cotton store in Tokyo has become, over five generations, a family workshop in Oyama, Tochigi — about 80 km north of Tokyo — where every shikibuton we ship overseas is still finished by hand.

We are not a “Japanese-style” brand. Every futon is made in Japan at every step, from raw cotton to finished mattress, and certified under J Quality (certification No. K2600190003) — the standard that requires the entire process to be completed in Japan.

150 years, honestly told

Our history is not a straight line. The company was founded in 1873 and built its Tochigi workshop in 1962. In 2001 the family business went through civil rehabilitation — a genuine crisis. Over the following decade the previous generation repaid its debts in full; in 2012 the fifth generation, Nakajo Yusuke, joined the workshop, becoming its representative in 2017. In 2023 we marked our 150th anniversary. We tell this story because we believe it matters who makes the thing you sleep on.

Made by people with names

Each futon is finished by hand, one at a time, by our artisans — 18 craftspeople whose names and faces you can meet on our main site. In an age of industrial bedding, that is the difference you feel.

From our atelier to your door

When you order, your futon is packed at our workshop and shipped directly from Japan to your door by Japan Post — no middlemen, no overseas warehouse in between. International shipping is included, and delivery typically takes about 10–14 days. The futon that arrives is the one our craftspeople just finished.

Why a Japanese futon

A traditional shikibuton is designed to be laid on the floor, on tatami, or on a bed frame, giving firm and breathable support and folding away when not in use. The New York Times’ Wirecutter called a Japanese futon “the absolute best bed” in 2024. It is a way of sleeping refined in Japan over centuries — and one we have devoted our craft to for 150 years.

OFUTON KOBO — Made in Japan since 1873.
Explore our full heritage, meet our 18 artisans, and read our care guides at www.ofutonkobo.com.