What Is Japandi? Creating a Japanese–Scandinavian Interior with Tatami

About the Author

Yusuke Higuchi

Nationally Certified First-Class Tatami Master Owner of Higuchi Tatami Shop, Tokyo

Yusuke Higuchi is a premier tatami craftsman based in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to delivering authentic Japanese comfort to homes worldwide. He perfected his craft in Kyoto under the tutelage of a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" (Medal with Yellow Ribbon recipient), mastering the millimeter-level precision required for temples and high-end tea rooms.

• 🏆 Award: Winner of the Kyoto Tatami Competition (Governor’s Award)
• 📜 Certification: National Level 1 Tatami Craftsmanship (The highest in Japan)
• 🌎 Global Service: Specializing in custom-made tatami mats for international shipping.

Hello, this is Higuchi from Higuchi Tatami Shop.

Lately, many clients ask for a space that feels both modern and calming:

• “I want a stylish Japanese room.”
• “I like a clean, modern Japanese aesthetic.”

One term that often comes up is “Japandi.”
In this article, I’ll explain what Japandi means—and why tatami plays a key role in achieving it.

What Is Japandi?

Japandi is a blend of:

• Japanese design (Japanese)
• Scandinavian design (Scandinavian)

The word itself combines Japanese and Scandinavian. Originating overseas, this style has recently gained strong popularity in Japan as well.

The Core of Japandi

At its core, Japandi is simple:

• Minimal clutter
• Natural materials
• Muted, neutral tones
• Intentional use of space (negative space)

👉 In one phrase:
“A calm, comfortable, and quietly beautiful environment.”

Wabi-Sabi × Hygge

Japandi is not just a visual style—it’s a philosophy.

• Wabi-sabi (Japan): beauty in imperfection and simplicity
• Hygge (Scandinavia): comfort, warmth, and livable design

Both value:

👉 Simplicity that supports a peaceful mind

Why Tatami Fits Japandi Perfectly

Many people wonder:

“If I want a Japandi room, what should I do with a Japanese space?”

The answer is simple:

👉 Tatami is the key element.

Here’s why:

• Made from natural igusa (rush grass)
• Encourages a low, grounded lifestyle
• Creates visual calm and rhythm
• Enhances the sense of space

👉 In fact,
👉 a room with tatami often feels more “Japandi” than without it

Real-World Example

A Japandi space doesn’t require complex styling:

• Clean layout
• Minimal decoration
• Honest material textures

👉 That alone creates a Japandi atmosphere.

Craftsman’s Perspective: Materials Change the Space

Scandinavian furniture is known for its clean lines and warmth.

When paired with high-quality tatami—such as the “Shiokaze” tatami omote made by igusa farmer Hideyoshi Yamamoto (Yatsushiro, Kumamoto)—the result is unique:

👉 A balance of tension and relaxation

• Clear, defined weave patterns
• Natural luster of igusa
• Depth that only handmade materials provide

👉 Related article:
https://phkkoomde.com/en/tatami-yamamoto-shiokaze/

Best Tatami Types for Japandi

For a Japandi interior, these are especially effective:

• Edgeless tatami (Ryukyu-style)
• Me-seki (fine-weave) tatami

Why?

• Cleaner, more modern appearance
• Better visual continuity
• Strong compatibility with Western furniture

👉 Ideal for contemporary homes.

3 Practical Tips to Create a Japandi Space with Tatami

1. Embrace Negative Space

Avoid overcrowding. Let the tatami surface be visible—its pattern becomes part of the design.

2. Use a Neutral Color Palette

Stick to natural tones:

• Beige
• Gray
• Off-white

3. Add One Handcrafted Element

In a room of mass-produced items, one handmade piece adds depth and authenticity.

👉 This is where traditional craftsmanship makes a difference.

Why Japandi Is Trending

• Strong popularity overseas
• Growing minimalist lifestyle
• Demand for calm, livable spaces

👉 It fits modern life perfectly.

Conclusion

Tatami is no longer just a “traditional Japanese element.”

👉 It is now a design material.

By incorporating Japandi principles, you can create a space that is:

• Stylish
• Relaxing
• Long-lasting

👉 A space people truly want to live in.

About Higuchi Tatami Shop

I am a certified first-class tatami craftsman (Ichikyū Tatami Seisaku Ginōshi) trained in Kyoto, providing custom tatami solutions for homes in Japan and overseas.

If you are considering a Japandi-style space with tatami, feel free to reach out.

👉 Contact us here
👉 View our tatami projects