Tatami

Tatami are traditional Japanese floor mats used in washitsu (Japanese-style rooms). They are typically made of a woven igusa (soft rush) surface mounted on a core and finished with a cloth border. The core has historically been rice straw, but many modern tatami use compressed wood fiber or foam. The mat’s edges are bound with a tatami-beri (cloth border). Most tatami measure about 0.9 by 1.8 meters and around 5 centimeters thick, though sizes vary by region.

A room’s size is often described by the number of tatami mats it can accommodate, known as jo. Common configurations include 6-jo and 8-jo layouts, with arrangement patterns that influence the room’s function and flow. Tatami rooms are typically used for seating, sleeping on futons, or as ceremonial spaces in traditional settings.

Historically, tatami originated in the Heian period as elevated flooring for the nobility and gradually spread to more households, becoming a defining feature of traditional interiors by the Edo period. They remain common in tea houses, inns, and homes that preserve a washitsu, and they are associated with practices in various arts and with the concept of a flexible, breathable living space.

Care and variations: Tatami require moderate humidity control; they should be kept relatively dry, with occasional airing. Surfaces are usually vacuumed with a soft attachment, and spills should be wiped promptly to prevent mold. Over time, tatami wear can lead to thinning or fraying; mats may be replaced or re-covered. Modern variants include thinner or foam-core versions for contemporary interiors, though traditional igusa tatami remain preferred in many settings.