Why do people hang futons and laundry outside so often?
On sunny days, even in cities, it is common to see laundry and futons hung outside on balconies and similar spaces.
In Japan, clothes have traditionally been dried by sun and wind, while futons are aired in sunlight to reduce moisture and odors and discourage mites. Established before dryers became common, this custom continues today.
Why — five layers
Japan's hot, humid climate encourages mold and mites, while futons used directly on the floor easily trap moisture. Drying them outside on sunny days was therefore a practical solution.
Many people associate the warmth and “smell of sunshine” of a sun-aired futon with cleanliness and comfort. This feeling is connected to Japanese household preferences for clean, fresh conditions.
International view
Clothes dryers are widespread in the United States, so outdoor drying is less common than in Japan. In Japan, not only laundry but even futons are still routinely aired on balconies.
But not always
In recent years, dryers and bathroom drying systems have spread, and more people dry indoors to avoid pollen, PM2.5, or yellow dust settling on clothes and bedding. Especially in cities, households that do not dry anything outside are no longer unusual.
What to do
Secure laundry and futons firmly when drying them outside so the wind cannot carry them away. Futons are large and heavy, and if one falls it can strike people, cars, or nearby buildings. On days with heavy pollen or yellow dust, some people avoid outdoor drying even in sunny weather.
Sources
- Resident testimony; general accounts of Japanese bedding and climate
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