Keep it long, treasure it long.

Zazen in Active Situations

Modern people, who live busy lives, tend to have their brains in full swing 24 hours a day. Too much information to process can easily lead to fatigue.

Some people practice zazen, believing that breathing is also important for maintaining both physical and mental health. Zazen is popular around the world for relaxing and regulating the mind and body, but the ZAF cushion can also be used in your daily life as a cushion that supports your pelvis and improves your posture by sitting upright.

ZAF was created for meditation at home, but ZAF SPORTS was created to be used in more active situations. The cover is made of double mesh material that dries quickly, and the inner material is made of a 3D wire structure that is highly breathable, antibacterial, and deodorizing. The cover can be removed and washed at home, and the inner material can be easily cleaned by washing with water to keep it clean.

▽ Enjoy the scent along with zazen. We also offer incense that is perfect for zazen and meditation.
ZAF Incense Stick

It can be washed, so it's always clean

ZAF is a way to start "doing nothing" for just 5 minutes. Sit on ZAF with your back straight, sticking your belly button out. Just by doing that, you can encourage a natural S-shaped spine and create time to breathe slowly. Since it keeps your pelvis upright, it can also be used for yoga, pilates, stretching, etc. It is also recommended as a seiza chair for those who are concerned about their posture or have bad legs, hips, or knees. In addition, it was originally used by monks when they sat cross-legged when eating, so it can be expected to improve digestion by adjusting the position of the internal organs for those who eat on the floor.

The characteristic of the "ZAF" cushion is its unique shape with folds on the sides. This was designed to change shape easily to accommodate the weight of the person sitting on it. This rational and ergonomic structure was developed by a Zen monk in the Edo period and has been passed down for a long time in the world of Zen.

The name tag on which the date and name are written, which is also a key feature of the design, was also taken from a zazen futon. Zazen is done facing the wall, so monks with bald heads would not be able to tell the difference, so they write their names on it. Since temples and other institutions often include dates on items that are donated, the futon can also be used to write the date. This design is a welcome addition to modern life, and you can take it to the gym or yoga class without worrying about losing it.

It weighs only about 430g, so it is easy to carry. You can put it in the included drawstring bag and take it to the gym, outdoors, or on trips. It is also a great gift for sports lovers and health-conscious people.

Live in the present with your body and mind

Since its founding, Sakae Kinran, which produces ZAF, has been a manufacturer of Buddhist altar implements made from woven fabrics, such as robes worn by monks, curtains for displaying the main hall of temples, and round futons. Located in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, a Buddhist altar implement production area, the company boasts a top-class market share for zazen futons made by craftsmen using traditional methods. The manufacturer strives to "make things that value people's 'feelings'" and has inherited traditional techniques while creating products that are close to the hearts of all people living in the modern age.

In 2018, Sakae Kinran's second-generation owner, Takezawa, started the factory brand "ZAF" for zazen cushions. From an early age, he played with the cotton used to make zabuton cushions, and was interested in watching the manufacturing process while familiarizing himself with the family business. He also felt that his mind was in harmony when he tried zazen when he was feeling serious. These were the reasons he started ZAF.

Takezawa says, "The zafu itself is a traditional Buddhist implement that has been around since the Edo period and supports the posture of zazen. When you hear Buddhism, you may feel tense, but the means to harmonize your mind are very necessary in today's society. That's why I want to spread Buddhism and zazen through design products." Zen has been a tradition since ancient times, and ZAF conveys the awareness of living here and now in a more human and careful way. Why not try zazen as a way to harmonize your mind?