Buzzing swiftly through the air, dragonflies—tombo (蜻蛉) in Japanese—seem to appear out of nowhere, flitting between stillness and flight with grace and precision. With over 5,000 species found across the globe, dragonflies display a remarkable variety of colors and patterns, some shimmering with an iridescent glow under sunlight. Fossils show that these ancient insects have existed for more than 300 million years, predating even the dinosaurs. Their enduring presence has long captivated the imagination of cultures around the world, and Japan is no exception.
So much so, in fact, that Japan was once known as Akitsushima (秋津島), meaning “Island of the Dragonfly”. According to Kojiki (古事記 Japan’s oldest chronicle), Emperor Jinmu once looked down upon the land and said it resembled two dragonflies mating, inspiring this poetic name.
Closely tied to Japan’s agrarian roots, tombo are often seen darting through rice fields, where they’ve come to symbolize good fortune and a bountiful harvest. As natural predators of crop-damaging insects, they’ve long been welcomed by farmers as protectors of the land.
Beyond agriculture and myth, dragonflies hold even deeper meaning in Japanese culture. Their agile, precise flight—capable of hovering, darting, and pivoting at speeds up to 30 miles per hour—captivated the samurai class. To them, the dragonfly embodied strength, courage, and unwavering resolve. So revered was this creature that it earned the nickname kachi-mushi (勝ち虫)or “victory insect”. Tombo motifs were often etched into armor, sword hilts, and battle standards, serving as fierce talismans on the battlefield.
In daily life the tombo continues to appear in traditional crafts and design, including pottery, kimono patterns, and seasonal artwork. As a symbol of harmony, resilience, and forward motion, the dragonfly holds timeless appeal.
At J-Life, we honor this enduring symbol through our fabrics. The tombo motif appears in select Japanese bedding components and lifestyle items, offering a meaningful way to bring a sense of balance and quiet strength into your home. Whether woven into a shikifuton cover or featured on a decorative zabuton pillow, this design serves as both a visual delight and a subtle reminder of the deeper values embedded in everyday life.
Japanese Bedding
Choosing intentional pieces for your bedroom not only elevates your space aesthetically—it also creates an atmosphere that supports deep rest and renewal.
Our tombo (dragonfly) collection celebrates the graceful strength and cultural symbolism of this beloved creature. These 100% cotton fabrics are imported directly from Japan and are available in a palette of soothing, nature-inspired tones. From a soft purple to calming teal, and navy, just to name a few.
The tombo motif is woven into every piece of our bedding collection—from shikifuton covers to kakefuton duvets, zabuton floor pillows and buckwheat pillows—so you can build a cohesive, serene sleep sanctuary. Each component is sold separately, giving you the freedom to mix and match. For example, the deep plum hue of our tombo shikifuton cover complements the cool teal of our custom kakefuton for a bold yet harmonious pairing.
Whether you're updating a single piece or investing in a complete bedding bundle, the tombo collection brings artistry, intention, and a touch of tradition to your everyday rest.
Explore our collection to discover how the spirit of the dragonfly can bring harmony and purpose to your sleep sanctuary.