They are traditionally made of a rice straw core and a surface covering of woven igusa (rush grass).
Kumamoto Prefecture, especially Yatsushiro City, is renowned for its high-quality cultivation of igusa grass.
Tatami mats originated in aristocratic homes during the 8th century (the Nara period) and gradually became common in households of all social classes over time.
They are effective at regulating humidity, making them particularly well-suited to Japan’s humid climate.
Room sizes in Japan are commonly expressed by the number of tatami mats they can hold (e.g., an 8-mat room).
Following World War II, Japan’s housing styles became more Westernized, leading to a greater use of wooden or carpeted flooring in modern homes.
Tatami rooms remain essential for traditional Japanese arts such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and martial arts like Judo.
The price of a single tatami mat typically ranges from 8,000 to 30,000 yen, depending on quality.
There are several ways to deal with old tatami mats besides disposal: (1) Turning over: Reusing the mat by flipping it over to use the underside. (2) Re-covering: Replacing the worn igusa surface with new rush grass. (3) New Purchase: Buying a completely new mat.
There are some disadvantages to tatami rooms: (1) They can harbor mold and dust mites if not properly maintained. (2) They require periodic repair or replacement. (3) Heavy furniture can leave permanent indentations. (4) They can be difficult for people with mobility issues to walk or sit on.
It is considered bad manners to step on the cloth edging (heri) of a tatami mat. One popular, though unverified, theory for this rule is that in the past, a ninja could have hidden underneath and thrust a sword through the edge.
A Japanese saying, “A bad man can’t die on tatami mats,” implies that a peaceful death at home is a reward for a virtuous life.
There are two main standard sizes for tatami mats: the larger Kyōma (used in the Kyoto area) and the slightly smaller Edoma (used in the Tokyo area).
