Makura (枕 - Pillow)

A few days ago, I bought a makura (枕 - pillow) with a futon (布団 - Japanese bedding).

A makura is a tool to support your head when going to bed, and the general one is made by packing cotton or feathers in a cloth bag.

There are several theories about the etymology of the makura.

One theory said that the word tamakura (たまくら) was born because the pillow was considered as tamashii no kura (魂の蔵 - where to place a soul), then it changed to makura.

Another theory says that the makura (間座 - another kanji for makura) was born because it is a kura (座 - supporting tool) for a ma (間 - space) between your head and the futon.

Incidentally, interestingly, makuras (pillows) are used in almost everyone regardless of country or culture.

https://blog.kano.ac/2018/04/makura/

数日前、私は布団と合わせて「枕」も買いました。

「枕」とは、寝る際に頭を乗せて支えるための道具のことで、綿や羽毛などを布の袋に詰めたものが一般的です。

「枕」の語源には、幾つかの説があります。

ある説では、枕は魂の蔵であることから「たまくら」と呼ばれるようになり、そこから「枕」が生まれたとしています。

他のある説では、布団と頭の隙間を載せて支える座（くら）から、「間座」という語が生じたとしています。

ちなみに、興味深いことに枕はほとんど全ての国・文化で用いられています。

• A makura is a tool to support your head when going to bed, and the general one is made by packing cotton or feathers in a cloth bag.
• A makura is a tool to support your head when sleeping, and the general one is made by packing cotton or feathers in a cloth bag.

• Incidentally, interestingly, makuras (pillows) are used in almost everyone regardless of country or culture.
• It is an interesting fact that makuras (pillows) are used almost everywhere regardless of country or culture.

Interesting! I've heard that in Japan, China etc. people tend to use extra firm pillows and the westerners are more likely to use the soft ones.