Couples in Japan often sleep separately or use separate blankets while sharing a bed due to cultural emphasis on modesty, privacy, and respect for personal space. Traditional Japanese sleeping arrangements involve tatami mats on the floor with futons serving as bedding, influenced by Buddhist teachings that emphasize simplicity and minimalism. Younger generations are increasingly adopting more Western-style habits, such as living together before marriage, but there is still some stigma attached to physical intimacy before marriage due to traditional Japanese values that emphasize self-control and modesty. Practical considerations like small homes also play a role in sleeping arrangements, and gender roles historically dictated that it was inappropriate for men and women who were not married to spend the night together. Pop culture has helped normalize the practice of sharing a bed among younger generations.