The Japanese Way to Fold Clothes (Why They Stand Instead of Stack)

In this video, I explore the Japanese way of folding clothes and why garments are stored standing upright instead of stacked. I delve into the historical and linguistic roots of this technique, revealing how the practice of folding is intricately linked to Japanese culture and the concept of storage. By examining the verb "tatamu," the significance of tatami floors, and the functional advantages of standing garments, I present a unique perspective on how this method can transform the way we think about organization. **What's covered in this video:** - I start with the punched-tin cabinet and how it relates to Japanese folding techniques. - I explain the meaning of the Japanese verb "tatamu," which encompasses both folding and putting away. - I discuss the historical origins of tatami mats and their connection to the practice of folding clothes. - I provide a practical test to determine if a fold is correct by checking if it stands up on its own. - I share a surprising statistic about how many garments can fit in the same space when folded upright compared to hanging. - I introduce the concept of "file folding" and how it changes the approach to wardrobe organization. - I draw parallels between the folding of clothes and the use of tatami in Japanese homes, emphasizing their shared purpose. - I describe the Japanese closet design, known as oshiire, and its influence on the necessity of folding. - I address the challenges of adopting this method, including the importance of drawer depth for successful folding. - I highlight certain garments that do not lend themselves well to folding and offer my personal folding strategy. **Mentioned in this video:** tatamu, tatami, Heian period, kimono, oshiire, American houses, file folding #JapaneseFolding #Tatami #OrganizationalTechniques 00:00 Standing, Not Stacked 00:21 It Is In The Language 00:44 Tatamu 01:03 The Floor Is Named After Folding 01:23 The Floor Was Portable 01:43 The Heian Period 02:02 Tatō, The Kimono Paper 02:24 The Fold Is The Storage 02:45 The One Test 03:03 Take Your Hands Away 03:23 A Small Rectangle 03:45 Twenty To Forty Against Ten 04:05 A Published Claim 04:44 File Folding 05:07 A Stack Sorts By Time 05:28 That Is A Queue 05:45 No Bottom To The Drawer 06:05 Back To The Floor 06:27 The Oshiire Has No Rail 06:47 No Rail Means No Hangers 07:05 The American Default 07:24 What Decides Whether It Survives 07:44 Fold To The Drawer 08:06 What It Does Not Suit 08:27 The Second Limit 08:46 Fold At Drying, Not At Putting Away 09:05 Remove The Pile Stage 09:26 Back To Tatamu 09:47 The Smallest Version 10:06 What Will Not Stand Up 10:25 Next Time 10:42 The Book, Once