Japanese tatami as a flooring option

What is tatami?

Tatami is a Japanese flooring which is made from woven igusa – a soft rush (Juncus effusus var. decipens) grown in Japan to strict quality standards. Tatami flooring gives a room a distinctly Japanese feel. In Japan, rooms in traditional dwellings are covered with tatami mattresses. It creates a multi-functional space, where a person can work, relax, eat at a low table, or sleep on a futon directly on the tatami. Work-from-home professionals can create a tatami corner in their home for work, lunch breaks, or relaxation.

The benefits of tatami

Tatami made from igusa offers several benefits:

1. Comfort: Tatami mats are made from natural rush and can be cushioned with rice straw, recycled tea leaves, or foam and board, to provide a comfortable floor space.
2. Air purifying: Igusa has an overlapping honeycomb-like hexagonal structure inside each stalk, which allows it to absorb formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and unwanted odours.
3. Deodorizing: Igusa has a natural, grassy fragrance, thanks to phytoncides - antimicrobial organic compounds which have antifungal and antibacterial qualities and contribute to a “forest bathing” effect.
4. Hypoallergenic: Tatami mats have a very low risk of any allergic reaction.
5. Temperature regulating: Tatami is a natural insulator, helping to keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.
6. Moisture absorbing: Igusa is 2.5 times more moisture absorbent than cotton. It absorbs and releases moisture according to humidity.
7. Aesthetically pleasing: Tatami mats give a room a distinct and calming aesthetic with their natural texture and earthy colours.
8. Versatility: Tatami mats can be used in various ways, from traditional flooring to being part of multi-functional rooms, where spaces can be easily converted from a living area to a sleeping area.
9. Durability: When properly maintained, tatami mats are durable and can last for many years.
10. Acoustic dampening: Tatami mats can help absorb sound, reducing noise levels and creating a quieter and more serene living environment.

FAQs about tatami

Does tatami need to be permanently installed?

Traditional tatami mats are made to exact sizes and installed as permanent flooring. Modern versions offer modular options, such as foldable tatami mattresses and tatami squares to be assembled according to size. Contact us to receive more information on the various tatami options we offer at WAZA Japan.

What are the care instructions for tatami?

Traditional tatami made from igusa needs to be kept clean and dry. In Japan, no shoes or slippers are allowed in tatami rooms. Modern day tatami versions with special coatings, or made from washi (Japanese paper) or even recycled materials, are available.

Why consider tatami at all?

The benefits of tatami are listed above. What works well for people in Western-style homes, where shoes are worn inside and where kids and pets play freely, is to choose a room or corner for a tatami installation. It can become a reading space, a meditation space, or even a family evening dinner space, where the emphasis is on relaxation and interaction.

Where does WAZA get its tatami from?

We work with different suppliers in Japan. Our traditional tatami mats are made by Yokoyama Tatami in Kyoto and modular tatami squares and foldable mattresses are made by Ikehiko Corporation in Saga prefecture. We specialise in igusa-woven tatami mats with the rush grown in Japan, but if you require other types (e.g. washi-made or non-rush versions), please let us know.