About France Bed - Furniture & Interior Shop YAOMOKU

The Philosophy of France Bed

The predecessor of France Bed, Futaba Works, launched a folding sofa bed in 1955.​

At that time, Japan was entering a period of rapid economic growth, and the introduction of the "three sacred treasures"—black-and-white televisions, washing machines, and refrigerators—began to westernize people's lifestyles. President Minoru Ikeda aspired to "bring a lifestyle with beds to young people who yearn for Western culture." He designed a folding sofa bed tailored to Japanese housing conditions and named it "France Bed" as a symbol of glamorous European culture.​

To Japanese people of that era, France was truly a dream country. The "Parisienne," symbolizing a glamorous lifestyle, was also an object of admiration for young women. Even today, as the distance between Japan and France has narrowed, we Japanese have learned many ways to enrich our lives from that country. In particular, the French possess a rational and generous nature, and an originality that stylishly transforms both work and private life—qualities that are hard for us to attain. However, the "omotenashi" (hospitality) nurtured by the tea ceremony and the meticulous craftsmanship are uniquely Japanese.​

What we aim for is the richness of France that we once dreamed of. While respecting the rationality, generosity, and spirit of freedom found in that country, we elevate it into Japanese-style manufacturing.​

This philosophy has become our company name and continues to be inherited in our hearts today.