BEHIND THE PRODUCT

ABOUT ZAF

About ZAF

鼠色の日本製瞑想クッションZAFに座る女性
01. Concept

Bring the breath of Zen to modern life.

ZAF is a meditation and posture support cushion rooted in the "zafu," a Buddhist implement used by Zen monks for zazen meditation.

When you sit on it, the pleats on the sides expand and contract to fit your pelvis, guiding your body into its natural S-curve posture and supporting the deep breathing and concentration suitable for meditation.

日本製瞑想クッションZAFの綿詰め
02. Craftsmanship & Materials

Traditional manufacturing methods and "kapok cotton"

Each ZAF cushion is handcrafted by skilled Buddhist altar fittings artisans.
The filling uses kapok cotton, traditionally used in meditation cushions*, and is made using a traditional method of hand-stuffing a large amount of cotton through the unsewn part of the pleats on the side.

The artisan's sewing and hand-stuffing techniques result in a unique texture that firmly supports the human pelvis.

* The "ZAF SAUNA" series uses PP pipes.
日本の仏具職人が瞑想クッションを縫製している様子
唐の時代の達磨菩薩の掛け軸
障子に向かって坐禅を組む僧侶
03. The History

1,200 years of wisdom for sitting

The origins of ZAF's zazen futon date back approximately 1,200 years to China's Tang Dynasty.
At that time, round cushions used by Zen monks for zazen were called "futons," as confirmed in a poem by the Tang poet "Gu Kuang."

"Staying at a Mountain Temple by the Lake" (宿湖辺山寺)
The river murmurs with rain
A pair of white cranes beneath the pines
Imbued with the scent of pine and cypress
A Zen monk seated on a futon stirs the wind,
A fisherman falls into the river, gazing at the moon.
Who would realize that life and death are the same?
Ancient Zen teachings have descended.

Learning from this long tradition of zazen culture, ZAF has redesigned this sitting tool to suit modern lifestyles.

04. Proof

Analyze with the latest software

"Why is ZAF so comfortable?"
We scientifically verified its traditional comfort using the latest posture analysis software.

あぐらの場合と瞑想クッションに座った場合の脊柱起立筋の筋活動量の変化
1. Reducing strain on the lower back

Reduces strain on the lower back

When using ZAF, muscle activity in the erector spinae is reduced by an average of 27% compared to sitting cross-legged*. This cushion reduces the strain on your lower back, making it suitable for long hours of desk work or meditation.

*Subjects: ①Male, 30s, 170cm tall ②Female, 20s, 161cm tall ③Male, teens, 130cm tall. Average of the three individuals above. *Results may vary among individuals. *Analysis results by "AnyBody Modeling System"
あぐらの場合と瞑想クッションに座ったバアイノ仙骨と頭部の距離の変化
2. For a natural S-curve posture

For a beautiful and natural S-curve posture

It has been demonstrated that the height and firmness of the cushion naturally tilt the pelvis forward, shortening the distance between the sacrum and the head, and guiding the body to form an ideal "S-curve." A beautiful posture can be maintained effortlessly.

*Image: 10-year-old boy, 130 cm tall *Results may vary by individual. *Analysis results by "AnyBody Modeling System"
自分にぴったりのものを見つけてください

Find the perfect cushion

Not only for meditation and mindfulness at home, but also for meditation in the sauna.
We also offer auxiliary items such as incense and mats.