Globalized Futon I: Futon Hoshi (Airing out the Futon)

[PhoenixKyuketsuki]

I'm actually surprised how thin your futon are. I know the ones I had in Japan were quite thick and heavy- almost took two people to move them across a room, haha. But it was the most comfortable thing I'd ever slept on.

[camswitzer]

@PhoenixKyuketsuki That's surprising to me; I have never seen one the likes of your description here in Japan over the past 20 years. I know that the 2-3X ones are the standard North American FOOTON, but not here. Yours must have been a blessing from the sleep goddess!

[PhoenixKyuketsuki]

@camswitzer These were indeed Japanese. I visited with a family for a weekend at one point and used what they had given me as a basis for some things I later bought (at nitori). Really, the house was high-end in some rather odd places, and I've always wondered if they might've been secretly well off, haha. I know the ones I later bought weren't quite as good as theirs but it was close- I should have looked for tags!

[camswitzer]

@PhoenixKyuketsuki Well, perhaps they were really expensive special ones as the only time I have ever slept on one as thick as you say, is in Canada when I bought a "footon" for my bed. It was rather nice. Yes, futon can vary dramatically in price from less than $50 to well over $10,000!

[MilleHiighPie]

This video was entertaining 

[shylildude]

how hot is it there? is it humid?

[camswitzer]

@shylildude Very hot. And VERRRRY humid. Toothbrushes rot.

[BrishenAlston]

This is really cool. You just can't do this with an American matress. Is this more eco friendly? I mean do they last a long time these futons? I already like the idea of bedding you can roll up and put away but something this easy to clean sounds wonderful.

Thanks for the video,

BrishenAlston

[camswitzer]

Brishen - If you buy a good one (i.e. several hundred dollars) and invest in it, they will last you 20-30 years, depending upon how you take care of it. if you make yourself a folding "slat" frame, you can fold it up into an L, put the futon on it, and bingo! you have a sofa. Let it down, and then you have a bed that is raised slightly off the ground. Very practical.

You can also give the futon back to be reconstructed (for a fee) and they will redo it for you if after time it starts 2 lump.

[kushinbou]

Where do you live? Is it in inaka? Very informative video! Thanks:)

[camswitzer]

@kushinbou I lived in inaka for 20 years. VERY inaka. I love it there. But.... I had to leave as work dried up. So now I live in Tokyo. Thank you!

[EWilsonLife]

God I just adore your house you lucky bastard. (lol) You are living my dream of someday living some years in japan after college! I love your videos please keep going.

[camswitzer]

Hi E - I'm glad you enjoy my videos. I don't have as much stuff that pulls my soul here now that I am in Tokyo, but I do my best! This was a nice house. But... it had some strange energy to it.

[xxxlancealotxxx]

ive never seen that rack. i hang mine from my balcony

[rupertdarling]

hi cam! i've been looking for shiki futon set (like you're using) in canada for months and i can't seem to find anything but the north american style thick mattresses.

any chance you could help me find a lovely set in norh america?

r

[camswitzer]

@rupertdarling - Hi. Thanks for watching. Please look through all of these comments as I think in the past there was some discussion about getting Japanese futon in N.A. Some people did find some traditional futon there. I just cannot recall right now the website. Best of luck!

[rupertdarling]

@camswitzer will do - thanks for your help!

[phantasmbunny]

This was very informative. I just replaced my spring mattress with a shikibuton, and I *am* a bit concerned about caring for it properly. I wonder if I can find one of those airing racks here in the States.

[camswitzer]

Bunny - Just jury-rig one. There are lots of things you can use... like two chairs. Best of luck.

[phantasmbunny]

@camswitzer

Thanks! I'll give the chairs a try... And I just remembered that the previous tenants of my flat left behind a portable garment rack that might work too. I'll experiment. Thanks again!

[jmeexun]

nice pants !!!! very wabi sabi !!!!

[Okayama79]

You are missing one thing, semi! Where are all the semi-kun?

[camswitzer]

Interesting! In this place, there were so many semi every summer that I stopped even noticing the sound. I noticed it only when there was no semi sounds. So the fact that we cannot hear them in this video during August is VERY unusual! Thanks for pointing it out!!

[Xxohyeshx]

Well Ive looking at futons,Im thinking bout getting one for myself,

and I was looking on ebay and I saw these floor rolling ones, this might sound stupid

but i was just wondering if thats traditional japanese item, or is it someone trying to rip people off by selling them a sleeping bag....Idk

Id be gratefull for your answer and

thank you for giving up some of your time for my question.

[camswitzer]

Not quite sure what you mean by a floor rolling one... can you add a link?

[1234ryn96]

when you said 2, did u mean 2hrs? or a 2pm? if its 2pm, wat timedo i take it out 2 air in the 1st place?

im getting a futon and its my 1st 1 so im a lil confused on the time

im a lil slow sumtimes on certaings so i appologise

[camswitzer]

10am - 2pm. Before 10am the air is too damp. After 2pm the heat changes and the air starts to get damp again. Then the futon sucks moisture back into it. You don't want that.

[JJC1984]

Hi, i want to "kick" my western bed and try the japanese bed, it is more comfortable ? can i spead it directly on the floor ?

[camswitzer]

Some like it, some don't. It's really a personal decision. You know how some schools say a hard bed is better for your back? Well a futon is much harder than an American bed which is pretty darn soft and squishy and good for bad back. And yes, you can put it directly on the floor, but you need to remember to air it out daily for a few hours because your bodyheat will be stopped at the floor, and it can make the underside damp in winter. Give it a try.

[beatlepeacelove]

yea, that's what the japanese usually do

[xXRoconzaXx]

Mine I ask some thing?

Um is it true they treat foreigners dffrent? Well not that I'm being rude it's just I want to visit or maybe teach there. I stumbled on videos saying they treat foreigners coldly.

Asking some one who LIVES or EVEN LIVED there. I want to know if the storys are true or even if it's as bad as people make it seem.

[camswitzer]

Very different, yes. Whether that is good or bad depends on your individual character and what you make of it, to be honest. I have a friend who hates how he feels he is treated (I think he does it to himself). I love how I am treated and I return the goodwill 1000X over with my love and appreciation. It all comes back. But the openness of N.A. or Europe or other Asian countries is missing here. That is something I have always missed. If you come looking for a great time, you'll find it.

[beatlepeacelove]

they're pretty nice for the most part, but sometimes they get a little...whats the word....tense. Especially towards americans, because of the ww2. i'm half american, and half japanese, but a lot of japanese people treat me badly because "i dropped the atomic bombs and killed millions of people".

some japanese textbooks have been a bit bias when it comes to the topic of wwII, so the kids are a bit misled.

but yes, the service in japan is amazing, and a lot of japanese people can be nice.

[camswitzer]

The textbooks issue is STILL an issue... the government still refuses to put the true history regarding the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Forces in Manchuria, China, Korea and so forth. A lot of people here really don't know what happened.

I don't run into people here who blame the barbarians for destroying millions of people, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. I think for the most part, since the US rewrote the constitution, this has become a pacifist country by far.

[bellabusa]

Thank you for you many videos. I have so enjoyed learning about Japan from you. You are funny too!

[camswitzer]

Thank you! One compliment like this makes up for the hundreds of insults I get from others. I appreciate you!

[CrysisNvid8800]

Japanese futons are way better than Western beds!

[camswitzer]

Thanks for your comment.

[Sephiroth21682]

whoa, who knew you had a nice body under those cloths!

hmmm, good idea to take the futon in at 2, ill have to remember that.

[icarussuraki]

I know this video is a little old, but I stumbled on it today and I just had to say that it made me smile. Interesting and entertaining--it's always the little things in another culture or country I always find the most interesting...and you're just a pretty funny guy. So thanks for posting this :)

[camswitzer]

Thank you! I appreciate you stumbling and finding me. Much appreciated.

[JohnnyDeppo]

Wicked Vid. How big is your garden? xD

[camswitzer]

It's not THAT big.... There is a 6ft wide strip around the back and one side to the end of the property. The front is about the size of one a large home jaccuzzi, with a couple trees and bushes bordering it.

[JohnnyDeppo]

D: My garden Is smaller. About the size of a big trampoline D:

[animounted]

where can I buy japanese futon in America?

[Sephiroth21682]

search on ebay, authentic ones with be really expensive (or just over-priced), american knock-offs are nearly the same

[dee12094]

kyaa! those patterns were so cute! <33 great video by the way!

[camswitzer]

Thank you!

[NinjaGurl451]

Wow, this is very interesting. ^^ Opens my eyes a little wider to what I don't know.

[camswitzer]

Thanks for viewing! Wide eyes are beautiful! Have a great day. I appreciate you.

[tsumekiri345]

I just happened to read the last few comments. Why that animosity?.It seems that you are not strong enough to receive a negative criticism.If you decide to expose yourself you should be prepared to face such situations with more dignity.You have found out that someone doesn't like you or your job and you get all upset,Personally I see a swollen ego and a childish attitude.If you are so superior why don't you just ignore it all?(this is a rhethoric question,no answer is required)

[camswitzer]

There is a difference between negative criticism and insults. People don't need to insult, you see. In fact, I have had so many insults on some of my other videos, that yes, I am tired of it. But mostly I write back in tongue and cheek. And as you can see, your comment, which was very well written does not bother me at all. Do you understand the difference? Excellent comment by you!

[tepungpelita]

Nice, very informative video. Thanks. But not only in Japan that this practice is done, a lot of other places have this similar practice, except they don't sun futons, it is from japanese culture. :)

[RocktheSocks]

I've always wondered what the purpose of the Western bed was other than to look cool. Of course, I'm one of those strange people who would think sleeping bags were more comfortable than a mattress.....

Thanks for posting the vid. Educational, gives a little more insight on Japanese tradition/culture that isn't so apparent in the media.

Your accent is pretty cool, too. Is it Irish? I can't tell, we Americans live up to our ignorance of geography and/or cultures.

[RocktheSocks]

I'm going to sound very stupid if that accent ends up being Canadian.

[camswitzer]

I'm from Winnipeg. About an hour north of Fargo.

[Nightsfield]

WOW! Thank you so much for posting this vid! I live in America and I never had the opportunity (yet) to see this Japanese stuff in person. I learned a whole bunch of fascinating things in this vid. Thanks again!

[camswitzer]

My pleasure! I am glad you wrote. One comment like yours negates all the bad comments that came before you! Thanks again!

[nixxi1980]

I never knew of this, so being japanese or not, thanks for sharing,if this sucked to me, i would have clicked be4 video was done instead of leaving rude comments.

[camswitzer]

Yes thank you. This is how I think it should be. I leave positive comments, or no comments. Why stick a negative attitude into someone's life, right? They worked hard to create their videos, so they don't need negative insults.

Thank you very much.

[camswitzer]

I shall let my viewers judge the worth of your ... comment. Folks, please feel free to give this commenter a thumbs up, or thumbs down for his (or her) rude behavior.

[imagelegacy]

We all should gratefully thank Mayu for allowing Cam to do these videos. Thank You Mayu!

[camswitzer]

Yes, Thank You Mayu!

[jmeexun]

29,033 ?????????????????????

[camswitzer]

29, 076 at this viewing! Thanks for adding one. Much appreciated!

[keysersozefede]

Are you a Nakamura fan? ^_^

[camswitzer]

I am. Shunsuke rocks!

[ukehimesama]

you live in japan so jealous

[Suzumaya1]

i havent seen any other of your videos, but you live in japan?!?! OMG!! how much does it cost to get a plane there from LA?? thnx!

[camswitzer]

Suzumaya - I've been here for 20 years. I'm not from LA so I really don't know, but prices vary on seasons. I'm sure one of the online travel companies can give you a good idea. I hope you have a great afternoon!

[Suzumaya1]

ok, thanks for ur gelp though!! Arigaou!

[BoltMitch]

HEY Also, do you think a shikibuton would be okay on a carpeted floor?? Your video was super helpful, so thanks! :D

[camswitzer]

Mitch - I don't see why not? But capitalize on it's mobility and drape it over a chair during the day to keep the underside of the futon, and the carpet getting air. Most people just put the futon directly on the tatami mats, or often when the inlaws come we drop the tatami on our carpets, or even wooden flooring for them. They never complain. I just prefer a little more padding than the Japanese futon which tend to be thinner than north american ones which are thicker like mattresses. - cam

[camswitzer]

Sorry... "when the inlaws come we drop the futon on the tatami or on our carpets or even on wooden flooring for them." is what I wanted to say. I was thinking ahead of my typing fingers!

Oh, and if you put the futon in front of a fire (not too close) or a wood stove... they can get really toasty warm for those very chilly nights!

[BoltMitch]

I live in Nova Scotia... lots of wet weather, wet air, and snowy months. Do you think a shikibuton would be appropriate? Or should I just stick to my spring mattress on the floor of my apartment? haha

[camswitzer]

Well Mitch, the good thing about the shikibuton is that you can move it and put it away whereas a spring mattress on the floor is either always there, or taking up huge wallspace. Also, if your apartment floors are cold, you may get some of that cold conducted through the thinner futon into your body, more than a thick spring mattress. Again, if it is really damp there, you will need to air it out, but as I say below, futon are super easy to drape over a chair during the day.

[BoltMitch]

Thanks a lot for the info! A toasty warm wood fire futon sounds like a dream. You and your video are very helpful. Keep makin' this stuff! :D

[camswitzer]

Will do, Mitch. Will do.

I did make a video that shows the futon kansoki we use, or the hot air dryer specifically designed for putting in futon to dry them, and warm them up in winter. I can get them on Japanese Yahoo Auctions here and in fact sent one to my friend in the USA who uses it in her bed in winter. They are wonderful. My wife can't sleep without warming the bed up in winter. Let me know if you are interested; I can search, then paypal you if you want.

[camswitzer]

It didn't let me post the url to my own video. You can do a search for "no more lonely nights cam switzer" and this will take you to the futon kansoki video I did.

[hlfazndude]

nice video. I'm considering buying a shikibuton -err Japanese futon, and I live in an area of California where it is either extremely hot and dry or it is cold and foggy. What kind of advice can you give me on caring for a shikibuton in the area that I live in? And I'm also curious about your stay in Japan. Were you born there?

[camswitzer]

Thanks for visiting. It is always humid here, so there really is no place in NA that compares to here. Just air it out when you can, and you will be fine. The one thing I recommend is that you do not leave it down like a mattress, all the times. The nice thing about having a futon is that you can put it away, and thus have more space in the room. It is a nice little plus.

I have been here for 20 years, but I am Canadian. Thank you for the compliment and good luck on your futon!

[shaykai]

Hi! Great video, I'm going to be getting a north american made "japanese futon" (by J life international, you can google them) so I hope it will be ok. The one thing I'm worried about is airing out the mattress, how often does this need to be done? I could easily do it once a week, but does it need to be done more like every other day? Thanks very much!

Ben

[camswitzer]

Ben, if you live in NA once a week should be fine. Here in Japan it is so much more humid than even the south in the USA and it has to be done more often if it is used regularly. I just would recommend getting or making a low slatted base (even just a 2X4 high) to rest it on. That will give you more air movement underneath. And airing out is easy... just drape it over two chairs when you go to work or school in the morning, and by evening, you'll be ready to go... to bed. Thanks for the visit!

[Corporis]

How would you suggest going about caring for one if you live in a apartment also what is a good online store to get one kinda cheap.

[camswitzer]

Lots of people in Japan live in apartments... they just hang them over the balcony, or out the windows. You could also hang it over a chair near a window all day. The important thing is to not treat it like a box spring mattress... they need to be aired out. But if you live in a DRY climate,it is different again. As for online cheap stores... I guess it depends on your country because they are HEAVY and shipping international would kill you. Good luck!

[maggieairstream]

Thanks for the video. I've been trying to find the perfect authentic Japanese futon.

Could you tell me a place in the US to buy an authentic Futon, a thin one like the ones you have? I looked on J International and they said there's was 4" thick and weighed 44 pounds, 39 inches wide. Your futons don't look this thick and that's what I'm lookin for.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Kathy

[daisukikodey]

I saw some on ebay just a few minutes ago because I'm also looking for one. They rolled up and were 3" thick. Maybe that will help.

Kiyoko

[jonoruss]

Very instructional! I was thinking about getting a japanese futon myself here in the states, and it's good to see how these things work!

[camswitzer]

Thank you very much for the comment. I always put some humour into my videos, but I do try to put in things of value as well. I appreciate your visit.

[witsharpwordsmith]

Shunsuke Nakamura for the win!

[pushpa2424]

Great video!! Very interesting. I also use a futon!!

[camswitzer]

Excellent, excellent. I highly recommend that you care for it the Japanese way, and "put it away" daily by folding it in threes, as well as putting it out in the sun as often as you can. Otherwise, unlike a mattress bed, the cotton inside packs down and then you start to get flat spots around your heels, butt, shoulders and where the weight sits. Also get a whisk and when it's hanging outside, smack the hell out of it. It puffs the dust away, and brings the inner cotton back to life. Enjoy!

[camswitzer]

Will it be the North American "Japanese futon"? Or the Japanese "Japanese futon"? They are completely different... Also, you may want to see if you can get a "futon mat" to go underneath as it adds about 5cm more of actual support underneath. I get a sore back sleeping on a futon directly on the floor. I prefer a very hard bed without box spring.

[moonshine100]

Half way thru this I relized this may qualify as porno......... Now if teachers thought this i might not fall asleep as much.

Favoriting - 5*

[camswitzer]

Is that a MINUS FIVE you favourited me? Drat! I guess I need to take off MORE clothes!

[doprpl]

Really nice video. Reading about foreign culture gives a lot of information, but seeing how it really goes on in life is a lot more intportant I think. :)

[camswitzer]

Thank you very much.

[cali4nian]

Living in southern California... almost same

weather year long.

warm... hot... cool.. tee shirt or sweater

[camswitzer]

Damn you!

[gekiryudojo]

a hot summer? what is that then? We have 3months of winter and 9 months of bad weather! so I dont understand this concept? lol

[camswitzer]

Trevor - Our summers hit 38C and near 100% humidity. They usually last from July to Mid September. May and October are glorious. June is rain. November is Rain. December is Snow, January is snow and rain, February is snow and rain. March is snow and rain. April is so so but all are killer humid and cold cold to the bone.

[gekiryudojo]

Cheers, I would still prefer it to old England we get so much rain here at the moment the it is getting me down I think we have had 2 dry days this year where I live and last summer was a wash out! I would love the Varity of Japans weather, What are the Fuel bills like there? I expect them to be high, I,m learning Nihongo at the moment "Pimsleur" Method because I will be coming over in December Hopefully. T

[camswitzer]

Is "pimsleur method" how a "john" speaks when he's had too much to drink?

[gekiryudojo]

LOL! it's very good actually

[leahferne]

this vid is going on my playlist :) You got great charcter, but hey your in Japan so you gotta be happy. I know I would be ;D

[camswitzer]

Thanks, Leah. I appreciate your comment.

[paganspixie]

pretty cool vid i'm always looking at Japanese and Chinese traditions and this one made me laugh so thankies

[camswitzer]

My pleasure.

[brentwpg]

It's minus 31 in winnipeg today, it's nice to see sun and heat.  Are there air conditioners in Japan?

[camswitzer]

Yes, but not central heating that you guys know. anything outside the room you heat, is close to the outside temperatures. So 5C outside = 7C inside.

[kagalie]

So wait, do you have to have a futon mattress to go with your futon?

[camswitzer]

No, but it just makes it more comfy.

[afrocubana315]

Is it just me or do you get more and more nude as the film goes on?

I swear by 4:40, I was yelling "take it off!"

oh, nice vid by the way

[camswitzer]

I'm sure everyone noticed it but you are the only one who actually mentioned it. You are right! Thanks for noticing the "little things" in this video. I do that kind of stuff a lot in my vids. It makes them fun for those who are doing more than just the cursory scan. Appreciated. Thanks.

[aralsi]

I was just wondering... do they ever get wash?? I mean because of the sweat you mentioned!

.

.

by the way you got a really nice body ^-^!!

[camswitzer]

Yes. But not all that often. You can't wash them by yourself, you have to give them to a drycleaner or futon launderer. It usually costs oh... maybe $50 to wash one. That's why having futon covers and washing them (like sheets) is so very important.

[macdaddy343]

Or you could always jump in a nearby river. lol.

[camswitzer]

True, true....

[Methos1966]

Your videos are always so interesting...and, that looks like a good workout!

[camswitzer]

Damn you are fast!