This video is Part 3 of my ongoing “Japanese futon documentary” saga, because apparently we’ve started a whole movement of epic proportions in this corner of YouTube and we’re just going to roll with it. I share the actual responses I’ve gotten from brands after my previous videos, and I clarify (again) the difference between an authentic Japanese shikibuton made in Japan versus what I’d call Japanese-inspired or American futons. I’m not here to gatekeep—my goal is to give you the info I have so you can make an informed decision. I also show what futon maintenance looks like in my real life: I’m airing it out, sunbathing it in a sunny window, and using a futon dryer (it takes me about a minute to set up, runs about an hour and a half, and shuts off automatically). I talk about why I usually prefer a regular fitted sheet over a full zippered futon cover, because I’m constantly moving and drying my futon. Then I update you on my “quest”: Futon Tokyo is sending me a futon soon (organic cotton by default), I’m trying to reach Tokyo Tatami Maker (they’re not responding), and I’m also trying hard to get Takaokaya to reply—because yes, a girl’s got to eat, and affiliate links matter if I’m going to keep sampling futons for you.