J-Life Organic Japanese Futon
J-Life Organic Japanese Futon
SKU: SHIKI-ORGANIC-C-3
Couldn't load pickup availability
THE J-LIFE ORGANIC SHIKIFUTON IS AN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE FUTON
Years ago, we decided to offer Americans a true Japanese style mattress - one constructed of quality materials, without foam or innersprings, - pure and simple. So, we deconstructed Japanese shikibutons, talked to shikibuton master craftsmen in Japan, and developed the design of the J-Life Shikifuton.
True to Japanese custom, our new futon is made from 100% organic cotton batting and it features a strong premium, organically sourced wool barrier for protection. This J-Life Organic Shikifuton has no foam, boric acid or innersprings.
The cover is 100% unbleached organic cotton duck. The fill is also made from organic cotton and wool for comfort and natural air-flow. In addition, this authentic Japanese futon meets US fire retardant standards by using organic wool material that does not contain any boron material.
Learn more about the benefits of the organic cotton we source on our blog.
The futon features 'knife' edges that make it lay flatter and fold more easily. Fold our futon into thirds for storage.
The J-Life Organic Shikifuton is available in two thicknesses, a 5 inch and a more traditional 3 inch. (In Japan, new shikibuton are about 3 inches thick. J-Life's new organic 5 inch futon is made to accommodate the larger frames of American sleepers.)
Comfort level is firm.
Ships within 1-2 weeks (excluding weekends and holidays)
The J-Life Organic Shikifuton is also available with a custom removable cover made of 100% cotton fabrics imported from Japan. We also offer a shikifuton protective cover for extra protection against dirt and moisture.
Learn more about the complete Japanese sleep system here.
Please see our Shikifuton Care Guide and FAQs to learn more about caring for our Japanese futon mattresses.
FAQ
FAQ
What is a Japanese Futon?
What is a Japanese Futon?
A Japanese futon, also called a shikifuton, is made entirely from cotton batting—no foam, springs, or synthetic materials. Key features:
-
100% Organic American-grown cotton fill with unbleached cotton duck covers
-
Authentic Japanese construction following traditional methods
-
Firm support that promotes proper sleep posture and spinal alignment
-
Breathable design that allows natural airflow during sleep
How thick should a Japanese futon be?
How thick should a Japanese futon be?
Japanese futon thickness affects firmness and comfort:
-
Traditional thickness: 3 inches for authentic firm support
-
Popular option: 4 inches for slightly more cushioning
-
J-Life range: Both 3-inch and 4-inch options available
-
Purpose: Thicker futons offer more initial comfort while maintaining Japanese sleeping principles
Are J-Life futons made with natural materials?
Are J-Life futons made with natural materials?
J-Life Shikifutons use only natural, chemical-free materials:
-
Fill: 100% Organic American-grown cotton batting (no polyester, foam, or synthetic fibers)
-
Cover: 100% unbleached cotton duck fabric (no chemical whitening)
-
Fire safety: Natural boron compound (not chemical flame retardants)
-
Certifications: Meets US fire safety standards without toxic chemicals
-
What's NOT included: No wool, latex, memory foam, or synthetic materials
What surface should I place my shikifuton on?
What surface should I place my shikifuton on?
Shikifutons work on multiple surfaces:
-
Traditional placement: Tatami mats (authentic Japanese experience)
-
Modern options: Hardwood floors, carpeted floors, platform beds
-
Avoid: Soft or uneven surfaces that reduce support
J-Life Organic Shikifutons are sized to fit American bed frames. Please note that Japanese style Organic shikifutons are not meant for American futon frames. They require a flat solid surface such as a platform bed, tatami mat, or floor.
Scroll through the product images to find the tatami and futon size guide, which shows the appropriate tatami mat size options for your shikifuton.
Please Note: Due to compression caused by the packing and shipping process, futons may be several inches smaller than their actual size upon delivery until they have had time to fully expand. Please allow your shikifuton at least 1-2 weeks to expand to its actual size.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Returns and exchanges: please see our Return Policy.
Our Shipping and Lead Time Policy and Procudures
At J-Life International, we take great pride in crafting our textile items by hand in the US, honoring authentic Japanese traditions. (Our Tatami Mats are imported, but crafted strictly from authentic Japanese materials.) We prioritize quality over speed and never cut corners to meet a deadline, so we deeply appreciate your patience during busy production periods.
Please review your order carefully before checkout to ensure all details and shipping addresses are correct. While we are happy to assist with changes or cancellations, we cannot guarantee them once an order is submitted. Customers are responsible for any costs arising from order inaccuracies, including reshipment fees, carrier correction charges, or return shipping costs.
Standard Shipping (FedEx & UPS Ground)
Orders may ship in multiple boxes and arrive on different dates. For example, each Tatami mat ships in its own box. You will receive tracking information once your shipment leaves our Massachusetts warehouse.
-
Shikifutons, Tatami Mats, Fabric Yardage & Lifestyle Items: Typically leave our warehouse within 1–2 business days. Orders placed after Friday afternoon ship out the next business day.
-
Made-To-Order Textiles (Covers, Pillows & Noren): Because these are handcrafted to order, they typically require 5–7 business days to produce before shipping.
-
Combined Orders: If your order contains both ready-to-ship and made-to-order items, everything will ship together once the custom items are finished (unless your order qualifies for an oversized split shipment below).
Oversized Shipments (Metropolitan Warehouse & Delivery)
Large orders shipping to the contiguous 48 states and Washington, DC qualify for specialized freight delivery. (Note: Oversized shipments to North and South Dakota ship via FedEx Home Delivery; Alaska and Hawaii ship via UPS.)
Qualifying Oversized Orders:
-
Tatami Mat Room Kits
-
TwinXL, Queen and Full Tatami Mat Bedding Bundles
-
2 or more Large Tatami Mats (European Full, Standard, or Queen sizes)
-
Full or Queen Shikifutons ordered alongside 2 or more Large Tatami Mats
Metropolitan Delivery Details:
-
Transit Time: 3–10 days. (Northeast/New England averages 3 days; West Coast deliveries take up to 10 days).
-
Threshold Service: Deliveries are appointment-based and will be placed in a garage or at a covered threshold when available.
-
Signature Required: Someone must sign for the delivery. If you prefer, you can contact customer service to waive this requirement and accept full responsibility for the unattended delivery.
-
Split Shipments to Save Time: To prevent delays, qualifying oversized items will ship immediately via Metropolitan (1–2 days). Any remaining items in your order (like made-to-order covers or pillows) will ship separately via FedEx Home Delivery once they are finished.
Jlife FedEx Transit Time Map

International Shipments
We are happy to ship all over the world via DHL International shipping. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. Please note that this shipping cost does not include any applicable duties, taxes, or fees, which are the responsibility of the recipient.
Share

This is a great futon! Great quality!
Didn’t know what to expect, and how comfortable it would be. Ended up getting the 5 inch version. Haven’t slept this well in years. No regrets would definitely do it again!
e
This is a wonderful futon with the Ya Gasuri light blue cover. Wow!
Very thick but I know it will compress down over time.
Perfect for a day bed or yoga mat.
Gotta go organic!
Anne
Two weeks into switching out a traditional mattress for this. The first couple of nights were a little tough and I woke up sore, as to be expected. But in less than a week I was sleeping so peacefully! I can comfortably lay on my side as well. Soo happy with this purchase!! I will never go back to the regular mattress set up!