Issue #37

Words by Cory Ohlendorf | Photography by Bandana/courtesy

If you live in Tokyo or simply visited a local resident, then you know the drill: space is precious, and every piece of furniture has to earn its keep. Sleeping is a tough call: Do you opt for a modern, comfortable bed and sacrifice some serious space? Or go the traditional route of a futon that requires serious work—from folding to storing—and, in my opinion, never delivers the kind of quality sleep you need to really reset your body.

That’s where Koala’s CUSHY sofa bed comes in clutch. It’s got a low-profile, streamlined design that slides effortlessly into compact Japanese living quarters without ever feeling cramped or compromising style.

We recently road-tested the CUSHY in a real Tokyo apartment, styling it with neutral tones and a few well-placed blankets and pillows to see how it played with the space’s existing décor. The result? It looked right at home—minimal enough to disappear into the space, yet substantial enough to make a statement. And it was incredibly comfortable as a sofa. After work, we’d crash down and sink into the soft angled backrest, scrolling social media while eating dinner. We cuddled up for some Netflixing (it’s deep enough for two) or merely sat and chatted with friends (the Queen size comfortably sits three people).

But don’t just take our word for it. Because we’re data nerds, we tracked our sleep quality on an Apple Watch over two weeks to gauge the quality of shuteye on the standard futon (before) and the new Koala sofa bed (after). The verdict? Consistently solid rest and better quality sleep with less wake-ups throughout the night. And there was none of the stiffness or dips you got from the old mattress or from lesser, more “traditional” sofa beds.

In short, the CUSHY earns its name. It’s easy to use, stylish in any form, and—most importantly—incredibly comfortable whether you’re binge-watching or clocking a full night’s sleep. For small-space living in Tokyo, where so many people are over-worked and under-slept, that’s about as good as it gets.

There’s a reason Toyo Sasaki has a devoted following among design lovers and bartenders alike. Made in Japan using time-honored techniques, these glasses strike a perfect balance between beauty and utility. The brand’s Usurai line, for example, features ultra-thin yet durable rims, giving each sip a refined feel. Their Silk and Stackable styles pair minimalist silhouettes with a sturdiness that holds up to daily use, while the elegant Coupe glasses bring understated glamour to cocktails and sparkling wine.

Each piece is crafted with precision, ensuring crystal-clear clarity, smooth edges, and a comfortable weight in hand. The designs are versatile and the quality rivals boutique glassware that costs twice as much. What’s more, they’re easily purchased through Amazon Japan (which operates as a seller on American Amazon). It’s timeless Japanese craftsmanship, ready to elevate your everyday pour.

It’s no surprise that being in nature has been considered a place for escape, healing and transformation since ancient times in many cultures. Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) is a term that translates to “forest bathing”. The concept has deep roots in Japan’s Buddhist and Shinto traditions, but the term was only coined in 1982 by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. At the time, high-stress office culture and claustrophobic cities were starting to take their toll on citizens’ health, and the Ministry saw a chance to simultaneously help urbanites de-stress, and communicate the importance of forests in society by formalizing the concept of forest therapy. Anyone can do it. The goal is to use your senses—listen to the sounds, take in the smell, appreciate your surroundings and as a result relax.