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Seiza – what is it and what does it mean?

5 lutego 2024
Seiza, office chairs, ergonomic chair, gaming chair
Seiza is not just a Japanese sitting technique, but also an incredibly deeply rooted element of Japanese culture, which is intended to bring the Japanese people closer to the world of respect, tradition, and simplicity. Preserving this tradition, although it naturally evolves in response to a changing world, remains an incredibly important aspect of the cultural heritage of the Land of the Rising Sun, serving as excellent inspiration for those who wish to blend the past with the present in a harmonious way.

In contemporary times, the seiza position evolves, and modifications made in it allow for maintaining some flexibility while adhering to basic principles. This is particularly important for older individuals or those with health issues, as it enables them to observe the tradition without exposing themselves to accidents. The spirit of seiza still remains strong, and its significance in the cultural context is extremely important for the Japanese at all times.

In Japanese culture, seiza not only defines a way of sitting but also represents an expression of deeply rooted social values and the spirit of tradition. Its meaning reaches deeply into cultural heritage, symbolizing respect, humility, and social unity. It is by sharing these values that we named our first office chair Seiza.
Japanese culture, healthy sitting, sedentary lifestyle

Seiza as a Japanese sitting form

Sitting in the seiza position is one of the elements of Japanese culture, serving as an expression of respect, humility, and tradition from those who practice it. This traditional sitting posture has roots dating back centuries, intertwined with deeply rooted social values and rituals for which Japan is known.

The seiza position has its origins in ancient times when it was primarily reserved for key moments in Japanese traditions, such as religious ceremonies or samurai rituals. The entire history of the seiza position goes deep, yet it has survived through the ages, becoming an integral part of Japan's cultural heritage.

For some, maintaining the seiza position can be a significant challenge because it requires good physical condition, a quality not everyone possesses. However, modern solutions, including special cushions or chairs, have been introduced to allow for adapting the seiza position to individual needs while respecting the spirit of tradition.

If you want to assume the seiza position, you need to kneel on the floor in such a way as to bend your knees and rest on your feet. It's essential to remember that seiza involves maintaining straight posture and placing hands on thighs or knees. The act of sitting should be done with precision, and seiza serves not only as a physical exercise but also as an expression of respect, focus, and humility towards the surrounding world.
Seiza, meditation, sitting cross-legged, Japanese art

The meaning of seiza in Japanese culture

The seiza position goes beyond the purely physical aspect of sitting, adding a profound metaphysical aspect to it. It is a distinctly Japanese symbol that, in an extraordinary way, reflects social values, tradition, and respect in the context of various aspects of life.

Seiza expresses not only physical humility manifested through kneeling but also a very strong focus of the mind. Demanding the maintenance of a straight silhouette and a balanced posture, it becomes a symbolic challenge that emphasizes the importance of concentration and discipline. Not so much in life but in a specific moment of someone's life.

Writing about seiza, it is important to emphasize that in Japanese society, it is also a reflection of respect in social relations. In business meetings or formal ceremonies, sitting in this position symbolizes respect and equality among participants, highlighting the value of community and cooperation in Japanese culture.
Respect in Japan, Japanese culture, matcha brewing

Occasions for using seiza

Seiza, as a traditional Japanese sitting form, is often applied in various situations and ceremonies that reflect Japan's cultural values. Primarily during religious ceremonies, such as rituals in Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, the practice of seiza is extremely common. Sitting in this position during prayers is an expression of humility and devotion to the sacred.

Also, in traditional tea ceremonies, known as sadō (茶道) in Japanese, both the host and guests sit in the seiza position. It is not only a manifestation of Japanese aesthetics but also an expression of respect for the ritual. The same applies to family events such as weddings or birthdays, where, alongside the element of tradition, seiza also serves to maintain a moment of solemnity in significant moments.

In much of Japan, sitting in seiza is sometimes also used during business meetings, especially during award ceremonies and formal occasions of various kinds. According to the Japanese, this practice emphasizes the dignity and respect for the situation. Therefore, sometimes during Japanese festivals and performances, seiza is also practiced. It is meant to highlight the beauty and history of the country.
Seiza, office chair, ergonomic chair, hairstylist stool

Seiza as an office chair

The unique and modern Seiza ergonomic chair is inspired by Japanese tradition. It was created by a team of experienced specialists from ONSEN® to provide a fully revolutionary approach to comfort, combining precision in design and care for the health of its users.

Our offered ergonomic chair is designed to always perfectly harmonize with the anatomical structure of the human body. Its extraordinary construction allows for precise adaptation to the silhouette, which not only corrects posture but above all promotes the correct alignment of the spine by strengthening the surrounding muscles, without making them lazy. This is a key element in maintaining a natural position.

The innovative design of the Seiza anatomical chair allows you to achieve a favorable "zero gravity" position, which provides a state of complete relaxation, eliminating pressure and tension that too often occur on traditional office furniture. Sitting on the Seiza chair, the body is not fully relaxed because it forces the muscles to work, preventing them from atrophying.

Seiza as a modern office chair is not just an ergonomic product but also our manifesto leading to healthy sitting following the ideas flowing from Japanese simplicity. Thanks to the harmonious combination of innovation, comfort, and aesthetics, the Seiza chair stands out as an excellent solution for people who care about comfort and health even in office conditions.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Rolling chair, ergonomic chairs, office furniture

FAQ: Seiza

How do they sit in Japan?

In many situations in Japan, people sit in the traditional seiza position, which involves kneeling on the floor with bent knees and resting on the feet. This position in Japanese culture symbolizes respect, humility, and tradition. It also allows for some muscle stretching.

What is the seiza sitting style?

Sitting in the seiza position is a traditional Japanese way of kneeling on the floor. It involves bent knees, with the body resting on the feet. Additionally, the back is kept straight, and the hands are placed on the thighs or knees. It is not only a healthy sitting practice but also an expression of respect, focus, and humility towards the surroundings. Thus, it constitutes an important element of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Which chair to choose for desk work?

For desk work, it is best to choose a chair that is fully ergonomic. It should not only relax the muscles but also somehow contribute to their development. Consider the Seiza office chair, designed with comfort, health, and aesthetics in mind. The ergonomic Seiza chair offers an anatomical fit in the "zero gravity" position and numerous health benefits.

What does it mean for a chair to be ergonomic?

An ergonomic chair should be designed to harmonize with the anatomical structure of the human body. It provides a precise fit to the silhouette and actively corrects posture, promoting proper spine alignment. For the first few weeks, a good ergonomic chair may seem uncomfortable as its purpose is to stimulate activity in the deep muscles around the spine. This makes sitting more beneficial for health.

What chair to choose for a sore spine?

For someone with spine issues, a truly ergonomic chair, such as the Seiza, is likely the best choice. Its design allows for maintaining the natural curvature of the spine and strengthening muscles, which can provide significant long-term relief for individuals with spine problems. It is a product that not only offers comfort but also improves the user's health, especially during prolonged periods of sitting in the office, and particularly for gamers.

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