Oshiire: In the room of a traditional Japanese house there is a small section which is used for storage. It is called Oshiire. It is a closet for storing the bedding during the day. The Oshiire is used for storing futon (sleeping mattresses), makura (pillows), blankets and sheets. Zabuton (sitting cushions) are also stored there. The Oshiire is about one tatami mat in size and usually divided by a shelf in the middle. It is very useful and makes it convenient for the people to keep the room free and easy to walk around. Futon: The traditional Japanese bed is called ‘futon’. It’s flat bed; it does not have legs like a Western style bed. So it’s different from them. Japanese style bed consists of mattresses and quilts and it’s laid directly on the tatami-matted floor. These are filled with cotton, nylon, or other stuffing. These are folded in three and put away in the special closet called oshiire when not in use. This enables the bed room to be used for other purposes during the day. The mattress on which one lies is called shikibuton and it’s quite thick and heavy. The quilt which goes on top is called kakebuton and is thinner and lighter. The kakebuton is often filled with down or other light insulating material instead of cotton and it has become usual to use a foam mattress underneath the shikibuton. In a Japanese traditional house, any room can be used as a living room, dining room, study, or bedroom. This is possible because all the essential furniture is portable. The interesting part is that, a room can be changed by altering the partitioning. Usually Large traditional houses often have only one living room under the roof. The other rooms like kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are attached on the side of the house as extensions.