Historically, noble families used tatami mats.
Certain aspects of the Japanese lifestyle may seem a bit strange to foreigners. Differences in their cultural values and traditions reflect in their mannerisms, their cuisines, and even in their living spaces.
Design
Traditional Japanese apartments usually center on the concepts of simplicity and minimalism. For example, most furniture items, such as dressers and night stands, sit closer to the floor than in American bedrooms.
Traditional Furniture
Instead of the European-style beds that Americans are accustomed with, traditional Japanese bedrooms feature futons---flat mattresses placed directly on the floor. These bedding sets fold up for easy storage during the day.
Tatami mats, a traditional form of Japanese flooring, sit beneath the futon or furniture.
When more than one person occupies an apartment, a shoji screen may be set up. Shoji screens are thin, adjustable, paneled walls that fold out to divide a room and provide privacy.
Fun Fact
Japan is also home to capsule hotels. These establishments allow guests to sleep in rooms that are slightly larger than the size of a casket.
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