In Japanese architecture, fusuma
(襖, japanese sliding screen) are vertical rectangular panels which can slide from side to side
to redefine spaces within a room, or act as doors.
In traditional Japanese architecture, a shōji (障子, paper sliding door)
is a door, window or room divider consisting of translucent paper over a
frame of wood which holds together a lattice of wood or bamboo. While washi is the traditional paper, shōji may be made of paper made by modern manufacturing processes; plastic is also in use.
Historically, fusuma were painted, often with scenes from
nature such as mountains, forests or animals. Today, many feature plain
rice paper, or have industrially printed graphics of fans, autumn leaves, cherry blossom, trees, or geometric graphics. Patterns for children featuring popular characters can also be purchased.
Both fusuma and shōji (sheer, translucent paper room dividers) run on wooden rails at the top and bottom. The upper rail is called a kamoi (鴨居), literally "duck's place", and the lower is called a shikii (敷居).
Traditionally these were waxed, but nowadays they usually have a vinyl lubricating strip to ease movement of the fusuma and shōji.
Along with the fusuma, shōji and tatami straw mats (as the floor) make up a typical Japanese room.
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