Facts You Didnt Know About Tatami

Tatami mats are a cornerstone of Japanese culture, offering more than just a traditional flooring option; they embody the essence of Japanese craftsmanship, aesthetics, and lifestyle. Here are some lesser-known facts about tatami that highlight their unique characteristics and significance.

Characteristics of Tatami

Tatami mats are renowned for their unique properties that make them an ideal flooring choice for Japanese homes. Here are some key characteristics:

• Flexibility and Stability: Despite being made from plant fibers, tatami mats provide stability underfoot while maintaining flexibility. This balance is crucial for the traditional Japanese lifestyle, which often involves sitting on the floor.
• Humidity Regulation, Heat Insulation, and Soundproofing: Tatami mats are made from natural materials such as rush or rice straw, which offer excellent humidity regulation, heat insulation, and soundproofing properties. These features make them particularly suitable for Japan's climate, which is hot and humid in summer and cold and dry in winter.
• Aesthetic and Sensory Appeal: The natural materials used in tatami mats give them an excellent appearance and feel. The rustic scent of the plants has a calming effect, contributing to the overall ambiance of a Japanese room.

Structure of Tatami

A typical tatami mat consists of several layers, each with a specific function:

• Tatami-doko (Tatami Deck): This is the thick core of the tatami, made from materials like rush or rice straw. It provides the base structure of the mat.
• Tatami-omote (Tatami Surface): The surface of the tatami is made from dried Japanese rush grass or rice straw, woven together to improve durability and appearance.
• Tatami-beri (Tatami Rim): The tatami-beri surrounds and protects the edge of the tatami mat. It is an essential component that helps maintain the integrity of the mat.

Sizes and Types of Tatami

Tatami mats come in various sizes, each with its own regional significance:

• Regional Variations: Tatami mats can be divided into different types based on their size and region. For example, the larger "kioma" is used in Western Japan, while the smaller "edoma" is used mainly in the Kanto area. Kyoto houses were built with tatami in mind, whereas in Kanto, tatami were fitted after the house was built, resulting in smaller sizes due to the pillars.
• Ryukyu-datami: This type of tatami is unique to Okinawa and is known for its square shape and lack of rims. Ryukyu-datami requires high technology and precise construction methods, making it a luxury item.

Historical Significance

Tatami mats have a rich history that spans over 1,300 years:

• Ancient Origins: The use of tatami-like floor coverings dates back to the Jomon period, where plain weaves similar to mushiro were used. During the Heian period, tatami mats became thicker, and by the Muromachi period, they were laid without gaps in rooms of the Shoin-zukuri style.
• Cultural Importance: Tatami mats were used in temples and aristocratic mansions during the Nara period. In the Edo period, samurai were assigned tatami mats based on their ranks, further solidifying their cultural significance.

Laying and Arrangement

The way tatami mats are laid can convey different meanings and is an important aspect of Japanese culture:

• Celebratory and Non-Celebratory Layouts: There are specific ways to lay tatami mats for different occasions. For celebratory events, the four corners of the tatami are not gathered in one place to avoid the number "four," which sounds like "death" in Japanese. For funerals, a different layout is used, which is also applied in shrines and halls for visual beauty and practical reasons.
• Avoiding the Edge: It is a common manner in Japanese culture to avoid stepping on the edge of the tatami mat, as well as the threshold, to ensure longevity and safety.

Maintenance and Care

Proper care is essential to extend the life of tatami mats:

• Vacuuming and Cleaning: Regular vacuuming and occasional wiping with a slightly damp cloth are recommended. It is crucial to always go with the grain of the tatami to avoid damage.
• Rotation and Replacement: Rotating the tatami mats every few years helps maintain their condition. The most damaged mats should be replaced, and new ones should be introduced to keep the room fresh.
• Humidity Control: Keeping the room dry is paramount. Using a dehumidifier and avoiding humidifiers, plants, or other moisture-giving items can help prevent mold and pest issues.

Cultural Significance and Modern Preservation

Tatami mats are more than just a flooring option; they represent a significant part of Japanese culture and tradition:

• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Tatami mat making is included in Japan’s “Traditional Architectural Craftsmanship: Traditional Techniques for Passing Down Wooden Buildings,” which was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving these traditional techniques.
• Continued Craftsmanship: Despite modern advancements, tatami craftsmen continue to practice their sophisticated techniques, ensuring the tradition is passed down to future generations.