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 has been an essential part of Japanese life for centuries, and its unique comfort and fragrance come from a single natural material: igusa (rush grass). As the core tatami material, igusa provides antibacterial effects, air purification, and humidity control, making it far more than just flooring. However, the production of domestic igusa in Japan is facing serious challenges due to declining farmers and competition from synthetic alternatives.
In this article, I will share professional insights as a tatami craftsman, explaining the functions, production process, and current crisis of igusa, while also discussing ongoing efforts to preserve this vital material for future generations.
1. Primary Production Regions and the Harvest Process
- Major production area: Yatsushiro in Kumamoto Prefecture produces nearly 90% of Japan’s igusa, thanks to its ideal climate and clean water.
- Historical producers: Okayama and Hiroshima were once famous for Bizen-omote and Bingo-omote rush, though production has sharply declined due to aging farmers and reduced demand.
- Other locales: Ishikawa and Kochi also grow igusa. Ishikawa’s colder weather produces stronger and more uniform rush.
Cultivation Overview: Planting occurs from mid-November to December; harvesting from mid-June to late July. After harvest, rush is treated with mud-dyeing, a natural method that slows discoloration, followed by a two-stage drying process to reduce moisture from around 70% to 8%. This prevents mold and enables long-term storage.
2. Functional Benefits of Japanese Igusa
- Antibacterial properties: Tests show that igusa extract, even at low concentrations, helps suppress bacterial growth, highlighting its potential as a natural antibacterial agent.
- Boosts concentration: In studies at tutoring centers, students on tatami flooring solved more problems than those on standard flooring, suggesting igusa’s scent and sound absorption help with focus.
- Natural air purifier & humidity regulator: Igusa absorbs nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and ammonia, while moderating indoor humidity—each tatami mat can hold the equivalent of a full milk bottle of moisture.
3. Challenges Facing Domestic Igusa Production
- Dramatic decline in farming households: In 1989, there were over 8,500 igusa farms in Japan. By 2016, that number had dropped to just over 500.
- Root causes:
- Decline in demand for tatami rooms in modern housing
- Growing reliance on imported and synthetic alternatives
- Aging farming population and lack of successors
4. Innovation and Preservation Efforts
At our workshop, efforts are underway to support domestic igusa:
- Developed a foldable 15 mm tatami, made with premium domestic igusa and processed to prevent warping.
- International outreach: Redesigned foldable tatami mats to reduce shipping costs. For example, one shipment to Mexico cut costs from around ¥500,000 to less than ¥200,000. With lighter prototypes, the goal is to reduce shipping to under ¥100,000.
- Belief: Increasing global demand for igusa can sustain producers and preserve this traditional material. Technicians must solve problems through technique.
5. Call to Consider Japanese Igusa
If you are considering tatami replacement, please explore using domestic igusa. It offers a wide range of price points, trusted safety, and environmental benefits. Choosing Japanese igusa means supporting cultural heritage, local farmers, and a healthier living environment.
✅ Summary Table
| Section | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Production & Harvest | Yatsushiro leads production; planting in winter, harvesting in summer, mud-dyeing and drying for quality |
| Benefits | Antibacterial, enhances focus, purifies air, regulates humidity |
| Industry Crisis | Sharp decline in farms; aging population; rise of alternatives |
| Innovative Response | Foldable tatami, international markets, cost-effective shipping |
| Recommendation | Support domestic igusa to sustain tradition and improve living quality |
