Japanese pillows traditionally contain buckwheat hulls. These hulls are the outer shells of buckwheat grains remaining after harvesting and sun-drying. While other pillow fillings exist, buckwheat hulls have a long history and remain a popular choice in Japan. They offer unique properties that contribute to comfortable sleep.
The Prevalence of Buckwheat Hull Pillows
The use of buckwheat hull pillows is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. For hundreds of years, they have been the preferred choice for many, and are still commonly found in homes and traditional Japanese accommodations like Ryokans. This is evidenced by numerous online sources mentioning their use. This article highlights the supportive nature of buckwheat hulls, describing how they conform to the head and neck, providing customized support.
Several online retailers sell Japanese buckwheat hull pillows, further emphasizing their continued popularity. This site showcases a variety of Japanese pillows, including those filled with buckwheat hulls. Major Japanese retailers, such as NITORI, also carry them, indicating their widespread availability. This TripAdvisor post confirms their presence in major retail chains.
Beyond Buckwheat: Other Fillings
While buckwheat hulls are traditional and prevalent, it's crucial to note that not all Japanese pillows contain them. Some hotels and homes may utilize standard pillows with other fillings. A Reddit thread https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/axtaft/what_type_of_pillows_are_in_japanese_hotels/ discusses the variety of pillow types found in Japanese hotels, mentioning that standard pillows are also common.
Historical Context
Even older styles of Japanese pillows existed, as demonstrated by a Reddit discussion on 17th-century pillows. https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10pdtzb/eli5_tell_me_about_the_17th_century_1600_japanese/ These were described as block-like shapes, significantly different from the more commonly known buckwheat hull pillows.
