Job Discussion Forums

[zlzabayle]

I'm in pretty decent shape. But for the life of me, I've never felt comfortable crossing my legs while sitting on the floor. If I sit on the floor, usually I have to extend my legs in front of me. Even then, it gets uncomfortable having to support myself with my arms. I'm planning on moving to Japan in the summer. So I know eventually I'm going to encounter moments where sitting on the floor is the only option. Has anybody experienced this issue? Is there any way around this?

[Dissolution]

I, too, was uncomfortable with the floor. Fortunately, my local Homac (home wares) had 'floor chairs' for sale reasonably cheaply. They're basically a chair with no legs that sits directly on the floor. The back is adjustable and they're padded.
Very nice seat, plus it still lets you fit under a Kotatsu.
-T

[zlzabayle]

Thanks Dissolution. I think I'll be okay with the home situation. I'm definitely going to buy those floor chairs you recommended. They sound comfy. Right now I'm actually more concerned with situations where I'm out and about. I'm dreading the moment where I go to a restaurant with a group and all they have is floor seating.

[seklarwia]

Don't worry.

In school, you shouldn't be sitting on the floor all that much (perhaps you might if you work with really young children; I haven't had to do so often in JH/SH), but even when you do, just sit as you feel comfortable. I normally wear skirts, so crossed legs isn't really an option. Otherwise I sit with my legs out in front, with my knees pulled towards me if there isn't the space or in a kind of side-saddle position.

As to retaurants, I sit as I please (within reason, of course ). I only ever sit in seiza for speeches at enkai and when they are done, I move to sit however is most comfortable.

[zlzabayle]

Thanks seklarwia. I'm breathing a sigh of relief.

[Glenski]

Some restaurants/bars with tatami floor rooms will have a large hole in the floor under the table, so you sit on the tatami floor, but your legs extend down like you were sitting on a chair.

Many places do not have this, though, and you will just have to learn to cope. Adjust your position if you need to, including sitting on your knees or sitting cross-legged but with just one leg crossed (and maybe raise the other knee, depending on how casual the atmosphere is, otherwise a knee poking above the table top might not be the thing to show).

Many Japanese are used to the low tables, but they will be understanding of us foreigners who are not. If you are uncomfortable, say something, but not too aggressively.

[zlzabayle]

Thanks Glenski. I have to find my comfortable position whatever that may be. I'll keep a look out for the restaurants with the cut out floors. What a treat that will be.

[Symphany]

I spent a year in Japan ending about 5 years ago, and only one restaurant that I went to had the floor seating that you mentioned. I lived in Tokyo at the time, and spent most of the time there by the way, I only briefly visited a few other cities.

[Nozomi]

If you had the inclination, you could start conditioning yourself a bit, if you suspect you'll be in a situation where you might have to do that. It takes time but eventually it's a very natural position to hold.

True, more and more restaurants are western style with chair seating, but if you ever get invited to a traditional home you'll make a really good impression if you can sit properly.

But most importantly... you will never experience the true joys of kotatsu if you don't sit on the floor!!

[OneJoelFifty]

The only times I can remember having to sit on tatami floors with no hole for my legs are at schools parties at slightly more expensive places. Some restaurants/izakayas will have a normal seating section, and tatami rooms for larger groups of people.

Definitely don't worry about it.

[Tara2117]

Depends on what kind of work you are doing. I work for Peppy Kids, and we either sit on the floor, or in kindergartern-sized little chairs. It's actually been quite rough for me. On days where I have a lot of classes, I usually have a LOT of pain in my tailbone and lumbar region.

If you work at a preschool, you might be in a similar situation. What helps me is having my boyfriend literally beat my ass (as in, a punching kind of massage, ha ha) and swimming. Going to the gym after work and stretching out in the pool for half an hour, followed by some time in the onsen, does wonders.

Get yourself a Western-sized sofa or chair for home if you can. You can still enjoy the kotatsu from the sofa, as long as you have a long enough blanket. And invest in enough padding for your futon, if you don't have a real bed.