Kamiza

A traditionalJapanese roomwith atokonoma

Thekamiza(Japanese:Thượng tọa) is the "top seat" within a room, meaning theseat of honor;the term also applies to the best seats in air-planes, trains, and cars. The antonym, meaning "bottom seat," isshimoza( hạ tọa ). In a room, thekamizais the seat or position that is most comfortable, usually furthest from the door – because this is warmest, and was safest from attack back in thefeudal period.In a traditionalwashitsuroom, it would often be azabutonplaced so the person sitting there has his back to thetokonoma;thekamizais the spot closest to thetokonomaor simply farthest from the door in a room lacking atokonoma.In aWestern-style room, it would be a comfortablearmchairorsofa,or the head of a table. The term is general, and does not only apply toJapanese culture.

Choosing a seat

When entering a roomin Japanon a formal occasion, participants are expected to assume the correct seating position, and to leave thekamizafree for the most important person present, either a guest of honor or the person of highest rank. However, if one humbly sits somewhere indicative of lower status and is then encouraged by the host to move to thekamiza,it is acceptable to do so.

The best seats in acarin descending order of rank are: directly behind the driver, behind the front passenger, in the middle of the back seat, front passenger seat, driver.Inair-planeortrainpassenger seating, the "top seat" is the window-side, followed by the aisle seat and then the middle seat.

See also

• Butsudan
• Etiquette in Japan
• Kamidana
• Tokonoma
• Order of precedence