Experience the Soul of Japan: Traditional Tatami Reimagined

Discover the beauty of tatami, Japan’s legendary floor covering, reinvented as elegant lifestyle accessories for your home
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Welcome to Matsuya Tatami, a storied crafthouse from Kiryu, Japan – a textile town with over 1,300 years of history. For 300 years and 11 generations, our family has been preserving the art of tatami-making. Tatami, Japan’s traditional floor covering, is crafted from igusa (rush grass), a remarkable natural material that has been integral to Japanese culture for centuries. As the 11th generation master, I, Tomoki Okawa, learned this craft from the ground up under my father Masao, the 10th generation master, earning the highest certification in tatami craftsmanship. Every day, we work diligently to preserve this cultural treasure and share its beauty with the world. Now, through Kickstarter, we’re excited to introduce our carefully crafted tatami items to a global audience, bringing the essence of Japanese living into your home.

A Cultural Icon of Japan

Tatami is more than just flooring – it’s a fundamental element of Japanese living that has shaped our culture for over a millennium. The oldest existing tatami, believed to be Emperor Shomu’s personal mat, dates back approximately 1,300 years. While its exact origins are debated, tatami began as bedding and seating for nobility before evolving into the full-floor covering we know today. During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), tatami became widespread among common people, establishing the familiar form we see today. The igusa used in tatami naturally absorbs moisture in humid conditions and releases it in dry conditions – a perfect match for Japan’s climate that contributed to its widespread adoption.

1.Air Purification

Tatami is made from igusa, which contains natural air-purifying properties. The polyphenols in igusa help absorb airborne chemicals, contributing to cleaner indoor air quality.

2. Psychological Benefits

The natural color and subtle fragrance of tatami promote relaxation and stress reduction. Walking into a tatami room is like stepping into a forest – the natural materials create a uniquely calming atmosphere that soothes both body and mind.

3.Climate Control

Tatami excels at humidity regulation. Igusa naturally absorbs excess moisture when humidity is high and releases it when the air is dry, helping maintain optimal indoor comfort throughout the year. This natural climate control was particularly vital in Japan’s varying seasonal conditions.

4. Impact Absorption & Sound Dampening

The soft yet resilient structure of tatami provides excellent shock absorption, making it safer for children and elderly. It also offers impressive sound dampening properties, reducing noise transmission between floors – a valuable feature in modern apartments and homes.

A 300-Year Legacy from the Edo Period

Matsuya Tatami was established between 1700-1750, during Japan’s Edo period, when our founding master received the honor of starting a branch of the renowned Matsuya tatami merchant house from Nihombashi, Tokyo. For eleven generations, we’ve preserved and evolved this craft in Kiryu.

Finding My Path: A Father’s Sorrow Leads to Purpose

My father, Masao, was continuing our family legacy as the 10th generation master of Matsuya Tatami. Throughout my student years, I vaguely assumed I would inherit the business someday, but it wasn’t a future I embraced with passion – if anything, I felt disconnected from it. This was during Japan’s IT bubble, when technology professionals were celebrated as the heroes of a new era. Watching my peers eagerly pursue careers in IT, I often questioned whether carrying on the family business was the right path for me.

Despite these doubts, I entered the world of tatami craftsmanship, though my heart wasn’t fully in it. I began my apprenticeship at another tatami shop, but my lack of enthusiasm was evident in my work. I went through the motions without real commitment, and those around me could sense my reluctance. Eventually, the shop gave up on my training, and I returned to Matsuya Tatami.

One day, my father – the 10th generation master – said something that changed everything: “Do what makes you happy. You don’t have to take over the business if you don’t want to.” The profound sadness in his eyes as he spoke those words struck me deeply. Seeing him prepared to let our family’s three-century legacy end with him, I realized, “This cannot be how our story ends.” That moment marked a turning point – I finally committed myself wholeheartedly to mastering our craft.

Birth of Modern Tatami Items

To connect younger generations with tatami’s beauty, we began experimenting with new forms. We started with tatami book covers and business card holders, which found success in Japan. Now, we’re excited to introduce mini-tatami, coasters, and yoga mats – items that bring tatami’s benefits into everyday life while honoring its cultural significance.

Now, we’re excited to bring tatami into your daily life in new ways through our mini-tatami pieces, coasters, and yoga mats. While these forms may differ from traditional tatami floors, our core mission remains unchanged: we want people around the world to discover the unique beauty and benefits of tatami. Though the shape has evolved, our fundamental desire to share tatami’s magic with a global audience beats at the heart of every piece we create.

Premium Quality from Matsuya Tatami

While we work with various grades of igusa, for this Kickstarter campaign we’ve selected only the finest rush grass from Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu. Premium igusa maintains its beautiful color longer, resisting discoloration and darkening that can affect lower-quality materials. The distinctive firmness and texture of high-grade tatami creates an unmistakable tactile experience that represents the pinnacle of our craft.

Bringing Zen to Your Daily Life

At Matsuya Tatami, we’re passionate about sharing tatami’s benefits in new, accessible ways. Our latest collection features coasters, mini-tatami, and yoga mats – items that seamlessly integrate into modern lifestyles while maintaining traditional craftsmanship. Whether during your morning coffee, meditation session, or while working at your desk, these pieces bring a touch of Japanese tranquility to everyday moments.

Mini Tatami

Available in both traditional and contemporary colors, our mini-tatami pieces showcase the versatility of this ancient craft. The borders feature textiles from Kiryu’s famous weaving tradition, creating a unique fusion of local crafts. Use them as elegant phone rests, desk organizers, or decorative pieces.In response to the declining supply of domestically grown igusa, we use “Sukoyaka Omote,” an industrially produced surface material that closely replicates the texture and functionality of natural rush. Our mini tatami mats, available in traditional Japanese colors, seamlessly blend classic Japanese flair with modern interiors, making it easy to embrace tatami culture in everyday life. They also offer excellent durability and easy maintenance, providing peace of mind even in homes with pets or children.

Coasters

Each coaster is precisely cut from authentic tatami and features traditional Japanese symbols burned into the surface using centuries-old techniques. Highly durable and easy to maintain, these coasters combine functionality with cultural artistry.

Tatami Mat

Unfold your mat to release the calming aroma of igusa, creating an instant zen atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese temple. Perfect for yoga, meditation, or creating a peaceful corner in your home. The natural properties of tatami make it ideal for exercise and relaxation.

Preserving Tradition for Future Generations

When I entered the tatami industry, there were still around 1,000 igusa farmers in Japan. Two decades later, that number has dropped below 300, with the decline accelerating as modern Japanese homes move away from traditional designs. Through this project, we aim to remind Japanese people of tatami’s timeless value while introducing its beauty to the world.

We believe that by making tatami more accessible through everyday items, we can help preserve this vital part of Japanese culture. Every backer of this project helps support not just our workshop, but an entire ecosystem of traditional craftsmanship – from igusa farmers to weavers and artisans. Our dream is to see more people discovering the benefits of tatami, whether through our lifestyle items or by incorporating traditional tatami rooms into their homes.