A zabuton (座布団) is a Japanese cushion for sitting. The zabuton is generally used when sitting on the floor, and may also be used when sitting on a chair. The zabuton is often used under a zafu cushion to provide comfort and support when engaged in zazen.
For a more casual setting the zabuton can be used in conjunction with a zaisu (座椅子), a type of Japanese legless chair, and with or without an accompanying kyousoku (脇息), a Japanese style armrest. Ordinarily any place in Japan where seating is on the floor will be provided with zabuton, for sitting comfort.
Zabuton are found throughout Japan, and enter many aspects of the culture.
- In Zen meditation, practitioners sit on zafu which is typically placed on top of a zabuton. The zabuton cushions the knees and ankle.
- In sumo, members of the audience throw zabuton toward the ring after the upset of a yokozuna by a lower-ranked wrestler, despite the dangers.[1]
- In rakugo, performers are not allowed to rise from their zabuton for the duration of their skit.
- In yose, notably on the long-running television show Shōten, comedians receive zabuton as a form of scoring.
- In jidaigeki, according to a stereotype, the boss prisoner in a jail cell receives all the zabuton from his or her cell mates.
Traditionally, the Japanese would sit in seiza (正座) or 'correct' sitting style, kneeling with their weight on top of their lower leg, which is folded underneath the body. However this can become painful after long periods of time or for people who are not used to it, so many prefer the more comfortable zaisu option where the back is supported and legs can be sprawled in front. Zaisu come in many styles, and can either have a cushion build in or be used with a zabuton (座布団). For an even more relaxed seating arrangement, one may also use a Japanese style armrest called a kyousoku (脇息).
Zaisu are very common in Japan, particularly in houses that have traditional Japanese style rooms washitsu (和室) where low tables and sitting on a floor of tatami mats are commonplace.
