Fusuma-shoji are sliding doors used to separate rooms. Unlike the translucent akarishouji, they are opaque. They run in tracks along the top called "uwabuchi" and bottom called "shitabuchi." The vertical sides of the frame are called "mashibuchi." These frames offer anchorage, but the door can be easily lifted out. Fusuma are constructed of lightweight wood covered with decorative paper. Fusuma doors are trimmed with cedar, which is typically dark brown or black lacquer. Handles, called "hikite," are often quite elaborate and unique in shape, not necessarily circular. Tassels attached to the handles pulls are called "fusahikite."

Fusuma first appeared in the Muromachi period (1392-1565). They were used to close off large spaces and as closet doors. Prior to that, during the Nara period (645-794) and the Heian period (794-1185) byobu folding screens were common. Sliding partitions did not develop until around 1300, typically found in the homes of the upper class, and later in the houses of the working class. They tended toward the ornate. High quality screens, nanakaeshi-bari, or gokaeshi-bari, were made of silk or other cloth. Fusuma served as canvases for ink drawings or colored paintings by famous artists, similar to the ones in the first chamber of the Kuroshoin, Nijou Castle.