Only 7% of people prioritize 'weight' when choosing bedding - Survey highlights the relationship between weighted items and sleep. A collaborative project between JOURNAL STANDARD FURNITURE and MUSUBI is born: 'Organizing sleep and space.'

### Background and Overview of the Survey
In Japan, many people suffer from a decline in sleep quality due to insomnia, which has become a serious social issue.

Therefore, KAPOK JAPAN Co., Ltd., a company that develops lifestyle brands, focused on "what kind of bedding" people with "severe sleep issues" are choosing. As part of our own research, we conducted a "Survey on Sleep Issues and Bedding Awareness" targeting 100 men and women in their 30s to 50s who have "severe sleep issues" selected from 1,000 preliminary screenings. The results revealed an interesting gap regarding bedding selection.

### Survey Results Summary
There was a distinct characteristic in the bedding selection of people with "severe sleep issues." It was found that only 7% were conscious of "prioritizing lightness/weight" when considering a purchase. While the most important factor was functionality for improving sleep quality, "lightness/weight" was the lowest at 7%. This suggests that many people may not have fully considered the "optimal weight" to solve their own sleep issues.

[Survey Overview]
Survey Name: Screening: Awareness Survey on Sleep Issues - Number of respondents: 1,000
This Survey: Awareness Survey on Sleep Issues and Bedding - Number of respondents: 100
Survey Method: Internet survey
Survey Area: Nationwide
Survey Period: February 27, 2026 - March 6, 2026

### Is "Lightweight Futon = Comfortable" Just an Assumption?
As a result of the survey, it was found that over 80% of respondents use lightweight bedding regardless of the season (spring/summer or autumn/winter).

Therefore, to investigate whether lightweight bedding is truly optimal for those with sleep issues, we conducted a sleep verification test using our weighted blanket, "MUSUBI."

[Sleep Verification Test Overview]
In the test, subjects slept at home based on their usual bedding environment, and brain waves were measured using the sleep measurement service "InSomnograf." Sleep states were compared using a single-blind crossover study.

[Test Details]
Purpose: To verify the effects of weight during sleep by comparing with and without a weighted blanket.
Test Content: Measurement of brain wave data. Evaluation of sleep variables such as sleep stage analysis, sleep onset, middle-of-the-night awakenings, and total sleep time.
Subjects: 5 Japanese working professionals in their 30s-50s with sleep issues.
Test Dates: January 22, 2026 - February 19, 2026
Test Period: Comparison of 3 nights with weighted blanket vs. 3 nights without weighted blanket *Conducted on Tue, Wed, Thu
*Research by Boken Giken Tech Inc. (Report No. S25-04486)

[Verification Results]
"One-third reduction" in time spent awake at night. Deep sleep experience proven by science.

[Summary of Verification Results]
In this verification, changes in sleep states were observed by adding an appropriate amount of weight. It is suggested that what is important in a sleep environment is not simple "lightness," but a balance of factors such as weight, breathability, and fit to the body.

MUSUBI is a weighted blanket developed as a new option for the sleep environment from this perspective.

[Functionality of MUSUBI: Commentary from a Sleep Environment/Bedding Instructor]

### The Choice for Solving Sleep Issues: "Recovery Weighted Blanket MUSUBI" [Patent Pending]
Chosen and surpassed 100 million yen! "Comfortable without stuffiness" proven by specialized institutions.
Backed by scientific evidence, its solid quality is supported by many people. In our internal survey targeting MUSUBI purchasers, approximately 72% answered that their "sleep quality improved."

[Weighted blankets are spreading throughout the world]
The market for weighted blankets is growing year by year, and it is attracting attention in Europe and the US as a new approach to sleep care. One famous weighted blanket brand reported that annual sales reached 21 million dollars in 2020, and surged to nearly double that the following year against the backdrop of anxiety-relief needs caused by the pandemic. The "Recovery Weighted Blanket MUSUBI," launched by our company in July 2024, is a product that quickly incorporated these internationally popular weighted blankets into Japan and attracted attention by selling out immediately after release.

[Big response on crowdfunding]
The Recovery Weighted Blanket MUSUBI received support from 408 people for a total of over 13 million yen in support purchases on the crowdfunding platform "Makuake," which started in July 2024. In addition to voices saying, "I was looking for a heavy futon," it has gained a lot of support from those who learned about weighted blankets for the first time, saying, "It's stylish and looks comfortable to use!"

New colors, different material series, and cushions for the Recovery Weighted Blanket MUSUBI -en- are currently on sale.

### Features of the Recovery Weighted Blanket MUSUBI -en-
1. Comfortable weight - "Weighted design" to improve sleep quality: May enhance the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system that works when relaxing.
2. Heavy, but not stuffy - Unique mesh structure: Balances breathability and natural fit to the body.
3. Confirmed "resistance to stuffiness" in comparison tests of humidity inside the bed: MUSUBI maintains constant humidity inside the bed compared to other companies' weighted blankets.
4. Sustainable design using a single material: Environmentally conscious manufacturing.

### "JOURNAL STANDARD FURNITURE x MUSUBI" Double-Name Project is Born!
Since the Makuake launch in 2024, the recovery weighted blanket "MUSUBI" has undergone various product developments. Now, a double-name project with JOURNAL STANDARD FURNITURE (hereinafter JSF) has been realized. The "MUSUBI+JSF" is a special model that pursues beauty as interior decor while maintaining the functionality of "weight x breathability."

Going beyond the framework of bedding, in creating this product, we aimed for a "product design that fits into and enhances the space," reflecting the philosophy of JSF, professionals of interior decor.

Pre-sales will begin in limited quantities on Makuake around mid-April 2026!

[Comment from a representative at JOURNAL STANDARD FURNITURE]
"The MUSUBI series pursues comfortable relaxation brought about by weight. By incorporating the interior perspective of JOURNAL STANDARD FURNITURE, we have finished it into a product that naturally blends into daily life."

Please register for the official LINE and wait a little longer until the Makuake release. We will send you the latest information from the official LINE.
Scheduled release: Around mid-April 2026

### [MUSUBI+JSF Product Specifications]
List price: Scheduled at 44,800 yen (tax included)
Makuake price: Up to 20% OFF with super early bird discount
4 colors available:
- Mint x White MIX (random border)
- Greige x White MIX (random border)
- Gray (single color)
- Greige (single color)
Size: approx. 100cm x 170cm
Weight: approx. 5kg
*Because each item is knitted by hand, there may be individual differences in the tightness of the stitches, weight, and size.
Material: 100% polyester (filling: recycled polyester)
Laundry: Home machine washable

### Locations available for coverage
Osaka and Tokyo offices

Company Profile
Company Name: KAPOK JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 1-7-18 Senriyama-Higashi, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
Tokyo Office: 1-7-18-207 Motoakasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Representative Director Kisho Fukai
Business Description: Planning, manufacturing, and sales of the sustainable fashion brand "KAPOK KNOT"; research and development of plant-derived materials.
URL: https://kapok-japan.com/

Inquiries regarding this release
KAPOK JAPAN Co., Ltd. PR: Saeka Ishida contact@kapok-knot.jp