Japanese: 座布団
English: “Japanese cushion”

Zabuton is a Japanese cushion for sitting.

The zabuton is generally used when sitting on the floor and may also be used when sitting on a chair.

The photo shows a Japanese chair with zabuton and armrest.

In a more casual setting, the zabuton can be used in conjunction with a zaisu, a type of Japanese legless chair, with or without an accompanying kyousoku (脇息), a Japanese-style armrest.

Generally, any place in Japan where seating is on the floor will be provided with zabuton for sitting comfort. A typical zabuton measures 50–70 cm (20–30 inches) square and is several centimetres thick when new.

Zabuton may look like ordinary cushions, but there are some special manners associated with sitting on them.

See: Seiza.