Discover Japan's Traditional Cooling Wisdom and Why Tatami Is Gaining Attention in Europe

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.

Europe has experienced record-breaking heat in recent summers.

In many countries, air conditioners quickly sold out as people searched for ways to cope with temperatures that had rarely been seen before.

Air conditioning is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to stay cool.

But Japan has lived with hot, humid summers for centuries—long before electricity or modern cooling systems existed.

Instead of fighting nature, traditional Japanese homes were designed to work with it.

Tatami, bamboo blinds, wind chimes, open architecture, and natural ventilation all played important roles in creating a more comfortable living environment.

As Europe looks for sustainable ways to adapt to hotter summers, these traditional Japanese ideas may be more relevant than ever.

Japan Has Always Had Hot, Humid Summers

Unlike many European countries, Japan's summers are not only hot but extremely humid.

High humidity makes sweat evaporate more slowly, causing the body to feel even hotter.

For centuries, Japanese homes were designed to reduce this discomfort naturally.

Traditional houses often included:

• Large sliding doors for cross ventilation
• Deep roof eaves to block direct sunlight
• Bamboo blinds (Sudare)
• Water sprinkling (Uchimizu)
• Wind chimes (Furin)
• Tatami flooring

These were not decorative traditions.

They were practical solutions developed over hundreds of years.

Why Does Tatami Feel Comfortable in Summer?

Many Japanese people have experienced this.

On a hot summer afternoon, lying down on tatami simply feels comfortable.

This isn't because tatami is cold.

The secret lies in the natural rush grass (Igusa) used to make traditional tatami.

Igusa naturally helps regulate humidity.

Instead of trapping moisture against your skin, it absorbs and releases excess humidity, helping the surface remain dry and comfortable.

The room temperature doesn't change.

But your body feels less sticky.

That small difference can make sleeping much more pleasant.

A Better Sleeping Environment

During sleep, an adult can lose hundreds of milliliters of moisture through perspiration.

Many modern mattresses trap heat and moisture.

Tatami works differently.

Its natural structure allows moisture to move away from the body more easily, reducing the uncomfortable feeling of sweating during the night.

This is one reason why tatami has traditionally been used as a sleeping surface throughout Japan.

More Than Cooling: A Natural Material

Tatami also offers another experience many visitors to Japan notice immediately.

Its natural fragrance.

Fresh tatami has a gentle scent produced by Igusa rush grass.

Many people describe it as similar to walking through a forest after rain.

It creates a calm atmosphere that synthetic flooring simply cannot reproduce.

Why Europeans Are Becoming Interested

As summers become hotter across Europe, more homeowners are looking for natural alternatives that improve indoor comfort without relying entirely on air conditioning.

Tatami is attracting attention because it offers several unique qualities:

• Natural humidity regulation
• Comfortable surface for sitting or sleeping
• Renewable plant-based material
• Traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Minimalist design suitable for modern interiors

Today many people use tatami not only in Japanese-style rooms but also as

• yoga spaces
• meditation rooms
• reading corners
• children's play areas
• summer sleeping mats

Our Experience Shipping Tatami to Europe

At Higuchi Tatami Shop, we have already produced and shipped custom tatami mattresses to customers in Europe.

Many overseas customers tell us they are interested in tatami because they want

• natural materials
• better sleeping comfort during summer
• authentic Japanese craftsmanship

Rather than simply exporting flooring, we believe we are sharing a part of Japanese culture that has evolved over centuries.

What Europe Can Learn from Japan

The future of staying cool may not depend only on stronger air conditioners.

It may also involve rediscovering simple ideas that work with nature rather than against it.

Tatami does not lower room temperature.

However, its ability to help manage humidity and create a comfortable surface has supported Japanese life through countless hot summers.

As Europe adapts to a warmer climate, perhaps some of Japan's traditional wisdom can also find a place in modern European homes.

Conclusion

For hundreds of years, Japanese people survived hot, humid summers without air conditioning.

Tatami was one part of a larger philosophy:

living comfortably by working with nature.

Today, as heatwaves become more common around the world, that philosophy may be more valuable than ever.

Whether as a sleeping mat, a relaxation space, or simply a way to experience Japanese craftsmanship, tatami offers more than tradition.

It offers a different way of thinking about comfort.