Zabuton(lit. ‘sitting futon’) is a smaller version of a futon padded mattress. These are usually square-shaped and often function as a cushion for sitting on the floor.

These workshops are led by Niwa Takuya, a 5th-generation futon maker at family business Niwa Futon based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.

You can complete the full process of making a zabuton, from shaping the cotton to the final stitching, before taking your creation home.

Niwa will also participate in a talk and demonstration event on 14 November and demonstrate the making of a futon on 17 November. Check the What’s On page for details.

This event is part of the Spotlight on Local Japan programme supported by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.

About the Speaker

Niwa Takuya
Born in 1978, Niwa Takuya is a futon artisan (5th- generation Head of Niwa Futon and First-Class National Certified Bedding Craftsperson). After graduating from university, he joined the Niwa Futon Shop in 2004. In 2011, he won the overall championship in the bedding industry’s Skill Grand Prix (the earliest win for a new futon artisan starting their career) and received the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award. He is Aichi Representative for the Lexus New Takumi Project. In 2022, he became the youngest person in the bedding category to receive the Award for Outstandingly Skilled Workers.

Tickets for the event are non-refundable. Please read our Terms and Conditions for Event Tickets before purchasing your ticket.

Participants must be over 15 years old and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please note that filming and photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

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