Simple Life Abroad

  Introduction When I tell people I don’t own a bed, they often look confused—or even a little concerned. But since moving to Japan and embracing minimalism, sleeping without a bed has become one of the most freeing decisions I’ve made. Instead of a bulky frame and mattress, I sleep on a simple Japanese futon that I roll out each night. It saves space, reduces clutter, and has unexpectedly improved my sleep quality. Let me explain why I gave up the bed—and why I don’t plan on going back. Beds Take Up Too Much Space Japanese apartments are small. My living space is just under 10 square meters. Owning a traditional Western bed would dominate the entire room. By switching to a futon, I reclaim that space during the day. I can work, stretch, or sit on the floor with no bulky furniture in the way. The flexibility of a bed that disappears every morning is something I never imagined loving so much. What I Sleep On Instead Here’s my minimalist sleep setup: Futon mattress (f...