About the Author
Certified First-Class Tatami Craftsman / Owner of Higuchi Tatami Shop
Trained at Sawabe Tatami Co., Ltd. in Kyoto, a workshop led by a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" honored with the Medal with Yellow Ribbon, before starting his own business in Edogawa, Tokyo.
Winner of the Kyoto Tatami Competition (Governor’s Award) / Holder of the National First-Class Tatami Craftsman License.
Extensive experience from temples and shrines in Tokyo’s Edogawa ward, to private homes, tea rooms, houseboats, and guesthouses.
Tatami mats are one of Japan’s most iconic cultural elements — symbols of harmony, balance, and craftsmanship.
But have you ever wondered how they’re made and what a tatami craftsman’s day really looks like?
At Higuchi Tatami Shop in Urayasu, Japan, every day begins before sunrise and ends long after sunset.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day in the life of a Japanese tatami craftsman.
Morning Routine (6:00 AM – 8:30 AM)
The day starts early.
Before any tatami work begins, preparation is essential.
- Sharpening the Tatami Knife: The tatami-bōchō, or tatami knife, must be perfectly sharp for precise cutting.
- Making Sewing Threads: The craftsman prepares natural hemp threads or adjusts machine spools for sewing.
- Oiling the Machines: Tatami-making machines are maintained daily to ensure accuracy and safety.
- Organizing Materials: Igusa (rush grass), washi tatami omote, and base materials are prepared.
- Cleaning the Workshop: A clean workspace means a clean product — waste and old rush grass are taken to the storage area.
Before leaving for the day’s job, the schedule is double-checked, and tools are packed carefully.
On-Site Work (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
At 9:00 AM, it’s time to visit the customer’s home.
The old tatami mats are carefully removed (tatami hikiage), loaded onto the truck, and brought back to the workshop.
This is called “Asa-hiki” (Morning Pickup) — it’s the start of what craftsmen call “Hiyatoi no Shigoto”, or Same-Day Tatami Service.
The goal: replace or refurbish all tatami mats by the evening.
Workshop Work (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
Once the mats are brought back, the real artistry begins.
Depending on the customer’s order, the craftsman:
- Replaces the tatami omote (surface cover)
- Repairs or replaces the tatami-doko (base)
- Adds or adjusts tatami-beri (decorative border)
- Crafts new tatami mats for custom orders
When work finishes early, extra time is used for creative projects —
making foldable tatami mattresses, tatami wall panels, or small accessories like wallets and coasters made from rush grass.
Delivery and Installation (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
By late afternoon, the freshly finished tatami mats are loaded up again.
Returning to the customer’s home, each mat is carefully installed with millimeter-level precision.
Once everything fits perfectly and the room is back in harmony, the day’s main mission is complete.
Evening Routine (6:00 PM – Midnight)
After returning to the workshop, the craftsman’s day is far from over.
- Preparing materials and tools for tomorrow
- Designing layout plans (sekkei zu) for new installations
- Writing estimates and invoices
- Managing accounting and sales records
- Responding to customer emails
Some days end by 8 PM.
But during busy seasons — especially in December, when many customers prepare for the New Year — work can last until 4 AM.
As Master Higuchi says,
“We might work for 22 hours a day during peak season, but seeing a customer’s smile makes it worth it.”
The Meaning of Craftsmanship
Being a tatami craftsman is not just a job — it’s a lifelong pursuit of precision and respect for tradition.
Every action, from sharpening a knife to carrying a mat, is guided by mindfulness (kokoro wo komeru).
At Higuchi Tatami Shop, each piece is handmade with care, continuing a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
Watch the Full Process
🎥 Watch the video below to see a real tatami craftsman at work:
👉 A Day in the Life of a Tatami Craftsman – Higuchi Tatami Shop
Learn More or Contact Us
Interested in traditional tatami craftsmanship or purchasing foldable tatami products?
You can explore more stories and custom-made items on our website:
📩 For custom orders or inquiries: Contact via mail
