The concept of a split bed was born from the founder’s desire to “bring a lifestyle
with beds to young people who admired Western culture.”
The innovative split bed, which served as a sofa during the day and a bed at night,
had a unique product name that reflected the era.
Our journey began in 1949, when Minoru Ikeda established FUTABA SEISAKUSHO CO.,LTD. in Mitaka, Tokyo. Initially a small factory producing scooter seats, the company quickly gained recognition for its craftsmanship and innovation. With a focus on comfort and materials, we secured several patents and laid the foundation for future growth.
Scooter Seat Production Scene
Founder: Minoru Ikeda
The split bed that would later inspire the company’s name
Scenes from the Manufacturing
Expanding recognition of the split bed with the concept of “a sofa by day, a bed by night”At the time, Japan was entering a period of rapid economic growth. With the emergence of the “Three Sacred Treasures” — black-and-white TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators — Western lifestyles began to influence younger generations. However, traditional bedding styles like futons on tatami mats remained dominant, and Western-style beds were not yet widespread.
Driven by his vision to “bring a lifestyle with beds to young people who admired Western culture,” Minoru Ikeda studied beds intensively and conducted thorough market research. He designed a foldable split bed suitable for Japan’s compact living spaces — a sofa by day, a bed by night. Through an internal naming contest, the product was named “France Bed” and launched in 1956.
At the time of the product’s release in 1956, Japan had not yet liberalized overseas travel (*). France, known through films and fashion, was seen as a dreamland and a symbol of elegance. The glamorous lifestyle of Parisian women captivated young Japanese women.
Amid this cultural backdrop, the split bed “France Bed” was promoted under the concept of “making young hearts dream.” Its name quickly gained recognition through TV and print media, and the product became a major hit.
The name resonated deeply with the public, and the product became a major success. In 1961, the company officially adopted the name FRANCE BED CO., LTD.
(* Overseas travel for Japanese citizens was liberalized on April 1, 1964. From that date, tourist passports were issued, allowing one overseas per year with a $500 limit on foreign currency.)
Founder Minoru Ikeda operating a sewing machine
Tokyo Factory in 1959 (Showa 34)
Research and development of Relax Bed
Scenes from mattress manufacturing around 1967After changing the company name to FRANCE BED, we made numerous visits to Europe and the United States to study and learn from authentic bed and mattress manufacturing techniques.
We didn’t just import Western ideas, we adapted them. Through extensive research in Europe and the U.S., we learned that Japanese body types and living environments required different solutions. This led us to develop beds and mattresses specifically designed for Japanese people.
In the 1960s, as living standards rose in Japan, residential spaces also evolved significantly. With more rooms and a growing trend towards private bedrooms, the country entered a true “bed era.” Reflecting this shift, FRANCE BED reached a production milestone of one million beds in 1966, followed by 1.5 million beds in 1976.
In 1983, FRANCE BED launched Japan’s first rental service for welfare equipment—well before the long-term care insurance system was introduced in 2000. The idea was sparked by a customer who no longer needed a care bed after just three months of use. This inspired us to create a system where people could rent what they needed, only for as long as they needed it.
The company also lobbied the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to include welfare equipment under the insurance system, helping to establish the current environment for welfare equipment rentals.
Consultant with specialized qualifications in welfare equipment
The impetus for starting the welfare equipment rental business “Silver Line”Looking Ahead: 75 Years of Innovation and Care. FRANCE BED CO., LTD. celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. We operate two core businesses: the Home Furnishing Business, which specializes in the manufacturing and wholesale of bed frames and mattresses, and the Medical Business, which focuses on the rental of welfare equipment. With a robust nationwide network, our company maintains:
This integrated structure enables us to manage everything from manufacturing to sales and aftercare, ensuring high-quality products and reliable service for the customers. The company remains committed to contributing to a life of “comfort and kindness” by staying close to customers’ needs.
Combining ultimate comfort with environmental consideration.
A mattress with a recyclable and environmentally friendly structure.
Reliable quality and a wide range of designs homed in medical and caregiving environments.
Fits individual health conditions and living environments.
The bed transforms into a chair and supports standing up.
Fits to the shape of the sitter's back.
We have established a comprehensive network that spans from manufacturing to sales through our nationwide facilities. This includes production sites, Showrooms and PR Studios for our Interior Division, as well as Care Shops and Service Centers for our Medical Division. By leveraging our extensive presence across Japan, we are able to deliver products and services that are both accessible and reassuring to our customers. Our commitment to being close to the communities we serve ensures high-quality support and a sense of security in everyday life.
As of July, 2025