Japanese Floor Pillows

I think you're supposed to sit with your feet under you, if you sit at the table squat on one of those floor cushions. Here's a picture:

http://www.japanhotel.net/kappa/images/r ...

It just seems like it would hurt.

In fact, I asked myself the same question like that is research (one of my habits XP), and found the answer.
It's easier than I thought.

Like the Indians sit 'Indian style', they get used to this position and, sometimes, their muscles warm. When they do, the body gets used to this posture, and muscle, somehow, " train "themselves to sit in such a way. When repeated several times, the muscles have more flexibility and control, allowing them to sit in that position again and again. Since the Japanese (and many others ) eat three times a day, which is always the result.

It is a way for us to learn how the sport.

...
Man, I'm such a show ...
> <

Yeah, you're sitting with legs folded under you, sorta like meditation posture: P

Perhaps the Japanese are accustomed .. I do not see a particular way of sitting there .. lol

it would hurt us, but not for them I think .. ^ ^
[Edit]
~ ~ hey you got those eyes back - good for you

Depends a lot on how you position your legs when you sit on the floor. We Malaysians do too - in fact, the Japanese could at least choose to sit on cushions, if they wish. If you go to a Malay kampung typical, you'll find they'll just draw a mat (usually made of uncomfortable material like leaves or rattan) and you just sit on it XD.

yo legs get numb. stretch my legs every year now n then to prevent economy class syndrome.

I sit like that most of the time>: D

He used to hurt the first time, but after a while it feels good and it might annoy them too much because after a while your feet get a little numb = _ =

But they can move if they request one if it is not really a game of position ^ ^

I'm sitting like this a lot but not for a perticular reason-it's just a habit for me = D. ... and I tried sitting in one of these tables once in a furniture store and when I tried to get up I hit my knee really hard .... T_T xD

you're sitting cross-legged or sitting upright like this:
http://www.honetugi.jp/images/img83.jpg

yeah, it's really uncomfortable .. but you get used to.
For the Japanese, it is a good way.

If you are not familiar, it hurts. In fact, most people do not so much and even the Japanese complain or make fun. I saw some funny comedy sketches where people's legs were asleep and they begin to search the person in front of them, causing even more pain.

In fact, they r very known in this type of seating as they r taught from their childhood. yhey know that sitting in what type of position would not hurt and you know he is sitting as a part of yoga that helps us digest food.

The Hindu people who r do it!
It does not hurt!

Does It Hurt. I tried it before, and my legs were numb as 2 minutes XD I think they actually bare the pain. or maybe it does not hurt so much, because many Japanese are thin .... but I think they might OO naked pain

I prefer to remain "Indian Style" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!