“The origin of zabuton cushions is actually the mushiro woven mat.

In ancient times tatami mats were developed from mushiro woven mat that served as both bedding and carpeting, and was an item of status and prestige. From these mats, the first zabuton cushions were developed. Using cotton imported since the Kamakura period and shape still in existance today with internal cotton padding, that has been around since around the Edo period. The spread to ordinary people was slow and only began around the Taisho era.” This is what Mr. Kato told us about the history of the zabuton cushion.”The cushion has two sides, you can tell this by looking carefully at the seams. The center decorative string that looks like an arrow is for knowing where the front of the cushion is when placed down for sitting on. “I know the history of zabuton cushions well for a Japanese person, and until now it has merely been affectionately loved as an lifestyle item, but in the future will its usage perhaps change again?” Mr. Kato's deep fondness for these items makes him able to use his knowledge to create products of quality.