Japanese tatami mats are a traditional element of Japanese culture that dates back centuries. These woven rice straw mats have been used to cover the floors of homes and temples since medieval times. Today, tatami mats are still very popular in Japanese homes and hotel rooms, as well as in dojos for martial arts practice.
Tatami mats are made from dried rice straw, which is then woven into rectangular mats of standardized sizes. Tatami mats are usually about 90 cm wide and 180 cm long, with an average thickness of about 5 cm. Tatami mats are usually stacked to cover the floors of the room, creating a flat, comfortable surface for sitting, sleeping or practicing martial arts.
Tatami mats are often associated with the practice of Japanese martial arts such as judo, karate, kendo and aikido. Tatami mats provide a soft, flexible surface for practicing falling and throwing techniques, offering improved safety and reduced injury. Tatami mats are also commonly used in dojos for competitions and fighting tournaments.
In addition to their use in martial arts, tatami mats are also popular in Japanese homes as flooring. Tatami mats are considered a form of traditional Japanese interior design and are often used in bedrooms and living rooms to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
However, the use of tatami mats has decreased in recent years due to the increased use of modern building materials. Tatami mats are more difficult to maintain than modern floors and may require frequent replacement due to their relatively short life span. This has led to a decrease in the use of tatami mats in modern homes and public buildings.
Japanese tatami mats are an important part of Japanese culture and are associated with martial arts practice and traditional Japanese interior design. Although their use has declined in recent years, tatami mats continue to play an important role in Japanese culture and are valued for their comfort and flexibility.
Here some Japanese addresses of manufacture of tatamis:
- Igusa Koubou: Located in Tokyo, Igusa Koubou is a tatami making company that uses high quality materials to produce durable and long lasting tatami mats. They also offer customized tatami to meet the needs of each customer.
- Hikaru Tatami: Hikaru Tatami is a company located in Osaka that has been manufacturing tatami mats for over 70 years. They are known for their quality and traditional craftsmanship, and offer a wide variety of sizes and models of tatami.
- Tatamiya Nishikawa : Based in Kyoto, Tatamiya Nishikawa is a family business that has been making tatami mats for over 120 years. They use high quality materials to produce comfortable and durable tatami mats, and also offer customized tatami mats.
- Tatami Craftsman : Located in Fukuoka, Tatami Craftsman is a company that specializes in the manufacture of martial arts mats. They use high quality materials to produce durable and long-lasting mats, and offer a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses to meet the needs of martial artists.
